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Fr. Dave Heney

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Gospel Reflections for February 4 2024: 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time

February 2, 2024 By Father Dave 9 Comments

Gospel Reflections for February 4 2024

Gospel for February 4 2024 – Mark 1:29-39

Gospel Reflections for February 4 2024

Get your miracle now!

That word got out fast when Jesus cured Peter’s mother-in-law. Soon the entire town was outside His door! 

Jesus spends the whole day curing people, which made people happy. But then He goes to a mountaintop to pray. 

His disciples manage to find Him and ask Him to return. Amazingly, He says “NO!” That meant some would not be healed! So why do some get His healings while others do not? 

Jesus knows His mission is to proclaim the Kingdom of God: where you love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love others as you love yourself. 

Love is taking what you have and using it for the good of another. So what do you have? If you have any talents, then use them for the good of others. If you have good health, then use it to love more. 

If you are sick, then you use your sickness to instill compassion for others who are sick as well. (See my article “What if I get sick?”)

Every miracle always had a more important purpose than just the recovery of health. When Jesus cures Peter’s mother-in-law, she immediately gets up and serves others. Her cure was a means to make her power to love more possible. 

It is that love that is your purpose, not just health or sickness. Jesus healed her to love more. There is no point in being healthy or sick if we do not love. 

Does God cure people today? Absolutely yes! If a physical cure will help you love more and even be a loving witness to others, then God will give you a miraculous cure. If God believes that your illness will be a witness of compassion and courage to others, then it will be His will that you face your sickness. He will always offer his compassion and courage to you. 

He is still “Emmanuel” (God with us), the God who truly knows and deeply feels your illness just as you do, and will faithfully support you in every moment. There is no better companion! 

We can certainly pray for a cure, but while we wait, we are still followers of Christ, and still believe that our deepest happiness comes from freely loving God, others, and our self, in good times and in bad …in sickness and in health.

God Bless!

Fr. Dave

Fr. Dave Heney - DaveHeney.com

Filed Under: Gospel Reflections

About Father Dave

Fr. Dave Heney was ordained a parish priest for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in 1978. In 1991 he received a Masters degree in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling from the University of Southern California. He has authored three books and founded The University Series, a Lenten adult education program. Currently he is Pastor of St. Bruno Catholic Church in Whittier, California. Learn more about Fr. Dave >>

Comments

  1. Sherrie says

    February 3, 2024 at 11:01 am

    My adult daughter has attended two healing services hoping to end the many health challenges resulting from Long Hauler’s COVID. While she experienced an intense feeling of heat & a swooning sensation when Father blessed her, she has not been healed. But she hasn’t let her disappointment discourage her. She spreads her love, joy & talents every where she goes & to all her family & friends. God’s grace & love shine through her. She is a perfect example of your message today.

    Reply
    • Father Dave says

      March 5, 2024 at 9:25 pm

      So glad to hear this! Beautiful story.

      Reply
  2. franca says

    February 3, 2024 at 3:44 pm

    I find in life the more you love with our preciousJjesus; Love, the more joy fills your heart!!! In helping and bringing love to others, we becomes a more giving, loving person in our hearts!!! The secret is to love and make the world beautiful in Jesus’ LOVE!!!!! Loveeeeeeeeee it!! You are helping others and you are growing in LOVeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!

    Reply
  3. Tom Joyce says

    February 4, 2024 at 1:57 pm

    Surprises me that Jesus prays as much as he does.makes me wonder who He prays for and why since He is The Son of God. Prayer is such a tremendous help to us it was important to him as well. Following His example is a good thing to do.
    Conversing with His Father and listening to the advice received makes Him better in doing all He does in Healing and Helping those around Him. Peter’s Mother in Law benefited from doing healed and right away got busy serving her guests.
    The Scriptures have so much to teach us in the correct Psth to follow for success in ataining Eternal Salvation. Thanks for reminding us Father Dave.

    Reply
    • Father Dave says

      March 5, 2024 at 9:26 pm

      Great insights, Tom.

      Reply
  4. Kathleen+Auth says

    February 4, 2024 at 11:11 pm

    Dear Father Dave,
    The beautiful teachings of Jesus sustain us in all things!

    God bless you.

    Kathleen

    Reply
    • Father Dave says

      March 5, 2024 at 9:27 pm

      You are welcome!

      Reply
  5. cosha says

    February 5, 2024 at 1:22 pm

    Beautiful…..thank you

    Reply
    • Father Dave says

      March 5, 2024 at 9:27 pm

      You are welcome!

      Reply

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