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Gospel for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

February 7, 2027 · Mark 1:29-39

He took her by the hand

Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law and many who are sick. Before dawn he goes off alone to pray. Mark 1:29-39

Liturgical color: green

This Sunday’s Gospel, in everyday words

On leaving the synagogue, Jesus went to the house of Simon and Andrew. Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever. Mark 1:29-30

Jesus came to her, took her by the hand, and helped her up. The fever left her, and she began to wait on them. Mark 1:31

When evening came, they brought him all the sick. The whole town gathered at the door. Mark 1:32-33

Jesus cured many who were sick and drove out many demons. Mark 1:34

Very early in the morning, Jesus went off to a deserted place, and there he prayed. Mark 1:35

Simon and the others found him: everyone was looking for him. Jesus told them they would go on to other villages to preach, because that was why he had come. Mark 1:36-38

What the Bible says

Mark 1:29-39

29And immediately going out of the synagogue they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30And Simon’s wife’s mother lay in a fit of a fever: and forthwith they tell him of her. 31And coming to her, he lifted her up, taking her by the hand; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them. 32And when it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all that were ill and that were possessed with devils. 33And all the city was gathered together at the door. 34And he healed many that were troubled with divers diseases; and he cast out many devils, and he suffered them not to speak, because they knew him. 35And rising very early, going out, he went into a desert place: and there he prayed. 36And Simon, and they that were with him, followed after him. 37And when they had found him, they said to him: All seek for thee. 38And he saith to them: Let us go into the neighbouring towns and cities, that I may preach there also; for to this purpose am I come. 39And he was preaching in their synagogues, and in all Galilee, and casting out devils.

Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner revision), public domain.

The other readings at Mass

First Reading

Job says that human life is hard, like the life of a hired laborer. His nights are long, and his days slip away without hope. Job 7:1-4, 6-7

Responsorial Psalm

“Praise the Lord, who heals the brokenhearted.” Psalm 147:1-6

Second Reading

Paul feels that he must preach the Gospel. He became all things to all, to save at least some. 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23

The full readings for this day, from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: bible.usccb.org

What the Church teaches

Jesus prays alone

Jesus often went off alone to pray, on the mountain and especially at night.

Catechism 2602

The color green

We are still in Ordinary Time: the priest wears green.

General Instruction of the Roman Missal 346

To read with your children

Peter’s mother-in-law was sick. Mark 1:30

Jesus took her by the hand and helped her up. Mark 1:31

She got well and began to serve. Mark 1:31

Very early, Jesus went off alone to pray. Mark 1:35

What time of day do you like to pray?

To talk about as a family

  1. When Peter’s mother-in-law was healed, she began to serve. How can we serve at home?
  2. Do we know someone who is sick? What could we do for that person this week?
  3. For the child: would you like to pray for someone who is sick?

This week

This week, visit or call someone who is sick or elderly. Pray together for that person.

To pray

Lord Jesus, you took Peter’s mother-in-law by the hand and helped her up. Take the sick people we love by the hand too. Amen.

Who is in it?