Sunday 5 February
Mark 1:29-39 • Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Mark gives us a picture of Jesus’ activities at the start of his ministry. We can see how his sphere of action expands: after healing Peter’s mother-in-law, he heals all those who come to the house, and then goes through the whole of Galilee. We can see how Jesus is unwilling to turn away any who come to him for help. He spends time in prayer, but this leads him to more action, and an eagerness to reach more people, both to preach and to heal.
In all his works Jesus reveals the coming of the kingdom of God. His miracles, healing sickness and casting out demons, reveal God’s power and show that evil is defeated. Jesus performs these miracles not only to help the individuals concerned, but to show that he is victorious over the devil. His exorcisms anticipate the victory over the ruler of this world achieved by his death and resurrection. ‘Now is the judgement of this world, now shall the ruler of this world be cast out; and I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself’ (John 12:31-32).
This victory of Jesus over evil is one in which we can share today. We all face a spiritual battle in our daily lives, and it is important for us to remain aware of this, and to turn to the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength. Many forms of evil in the world are obvious: wars, genocide, oppression and torture. But we are also assailed by more subtle evils: temptations to idolatry, superstitions, the false philosophies of this world. In our secular society there are many voices drawing us away from God, some obviously but some in a more insidious way that can delude us. This is why we need to spend time in prayer every day, and fill our minds with the truths of the gospel. We hold fast to an invincible hope, that Satan is already conquered by Christ and now has only limited power. We can experience Christ’s victory over evil every day if we turn to him, and we can rejoice that at the end of time the devil and his helpers will be vanquished once and for all.
‘Lord Jesus, deliver us from all evil, and grant us the wisdom to cling to the truth of the gospel, so that we may share in your victory over Satan and all his works.’
Job 7:1-7 • Psalm 146(147):1-6
1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23 • Mark 1:29-39
Daily Reflections
Subscribe to Bible Alive today, and read Daily Reflections wherever you are!
Shop Categories
Cards and Gifts New Books Spring Sale Summer Reading Walk With Me Faith Today Children's Books General Books Jewellery Bible Alive Catholic Today Exclusive Offers Christian Art and History Donations Papal Books Clearance Parish Ordering Subscriptions Religious Figures Music and DVDs L'Osservatore RomanoList All Products |
Shop Login
Product Search
Can't find a book?
Fill out our enquiry form to register interest in a particular Catholic/ Christian book.
Shopping Cart
Featured Products
 Bible Alive - UK Gift Subscription
Price:
£22.50
|
 A5 Liturgical Diary 2012
Price:
£7.99
|
 What Good is God?
Price:
£12.99
|
 Bible Alive - UK Subscription
Price:
£22.50
|
 Light of the World
Price:
£14.99
|
 The Gospels Box Set
Price:
£35.00
|
Top Sellers
Holy Cross Parcels
Make a difference by making a donation and buying a Holy Cross Parcel. Click here
Twitter and Facebook
Our Tweets
Alive Design – Wedding Stationery
Faith Today Trial Subscription
Try out Faith Today for three months free of charge. Many began receiving Faith Today this way and have been with us for years.
Trial Bible Alive Subscription
Try out Bible Alive for three months free of charge. Many began receiving Bible Alive this way and have been with us for years.
Walk With Me
Walk with Me is a prayer and scripture journey for the seasons of Advent, Lent and Easter.
Catholic Today Newspaper
Catholic Today is the newspaper for the Archdiocese of Birmingham. With the latest Birmingham Catholic news and Catholic videocasts.
Christian Publications
Bible Alive - Subscription
Latest Catholic Articles
Daily Reflections
Bible Alive daily reflections are written in an accessible and warm style inviting you to penetrate and plumb the depths of the scripture reading of the day.
Latest Daily Bible ReflectionFree Catalogue
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Walk With Me Daily
Outreach Programmes
Since the beginning Alive Publishing has always had a desire to ‘reach out’ with our Catholic magazines, Catholic books, and other Christian resources.
