Scripture Study for
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Job 7:1–4, 6–7 / Psalm 147:3a / 1 Corinthians 9:16–19, 22–23 / Mark 1:29–39
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Understanding the Word
By Br. John R. Barker, OFM
In his first response to the “consolation” of his friends for his terrible suffering, Job expresses not only the suffering caused by his physical pain, but especially the pain of loneliness and confusion. He experiences his friends as undependable (6:15) and cannot fathom the reason for his suffering, which is unexplained and unexplainable. In his misery, he reflects on the “drudgery” of life, the human condition that suffering sometimes renders intolerable. Job’s misfortune is profound and cannot be dismissed, but immersed in it as he is, he is unable to see anything in life but misfortune, “slavery,” and trouble. From Job’s current vantage point, life is only short, painful, and ultimately without hope.
Paul’s comments about preaching the gospel fall within a defense of his rights as an apostle. He points out to the Corinthians that although he has the right to receive recompense for his work (9:1–14), he has not and will not insist on this. If Paul “enjoyed” preaching the gospel, then that would be recompense in itself. But in fact he does not do it because he enjoys it, but because he has been commanded by God—he has been “entrusted with a stewardship.” Paradoxically, the fact that Paul preaches without monetary recompense is itself a recompense, because he knows that this is his to do and by doing it he will receive his “share” in the gospel.
Mark’s Gospel famously moves, especially at the beginning, quickly from one scene to the next, with everything happening “immediately.” This narrative urgency reflects Jesus’ own sense of mission; he is eager to do what he has come to do. The Gospel makes clear that the priority is to proclaim the kingdom of God by healing physical and spiritual ailments. Fever and other illnesses are conquered, as are demons, one after the other in rapid succession. There is no better way to show the power of God at work in the world than freeing people from whatever binds them. Even when Jesus is summoned from prayer he responds immediately and goes forward to continue preaching and healing.