1st Reading: Job 7:1-4,6-7
Job wrestles with the problem of why the innocent should suffer. As a result of his own sufferings he takes a pessimistic view of life.

2nd Reading: 1 Cor 9:16-19,22-23
St. Paul becomes "all things to all" in order to bring them the Good News of Salvation. We need to be both generous and flexible, in finding the best way to share our faith.

Gospel: Mk 1:29-39
After a busy round of activity and healing all who needed him, even Jesus finds it necessary to escape a lonely place to pray. Then he starts a new phase of his mission.

Reflection
Sickness and suffering, especially in the young and innocent, is the hardest test of our faith. It can render life useless and worth not living. But no matter how we look at it, suffering is not a problem to be solved, but a mystery to be lived and it is Jesus alone who can give insight into that mystery. But he wants us to come seeking, he wants us to want to be helped and healed. More than anything else, he wants trust, faith and confidence in him. When we need him most, Jesus is most present to us and with us. Have you lost the joy of life because of suffering, have you lost the zest of life, you can rediscover the joy of life in Christ.