It is the fifth Sunday after the Epiphany. The title of today’s cantata is “Lobe den Herrn, meine Seele” (Praise the Lord, my soul).

Today’s Gospel reading is Mark 1:29-39.

Jesus Heals Many

As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.

That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. The whole town gathered at the door, and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.

Jesus Prays in a Solitary Place

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!”

Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

The text of today’s cantata is available here. In the Gospel reading, Jesus heals the sick and those possessed with demons. The cantata opens with praise for the good that the Lord has done:

Praise the Lord, my soul, and do not forget the good He has done for you!

Happy listening!

UPDATE: I messed up when I posted this, and gave you BWV 69 when I meant to give you BWV 69a. I have left the music and changed the title, because BWV 69 is one of the most beautiful pieces by Bach I have heard. So we’ll stick with BWV 69 and save BWV 69a for a future time. Please do note the aria at 6:21. You won’t hear many pieces this lovely.

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