Daily Readings - Tue Jan 14 2020
1 Samuel
9So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD.10And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore.11And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.12And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli marked her mouth.13Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.14And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee.15And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD.16Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.17Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.18And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.19And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her.20Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD.
Mark
21And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.22And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.23And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,24Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.25And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.26And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him.27And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.28And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound stories that highlight the power of faith and divine intervention. The first reading from 1 Samuel tells the story of Hannah, a woman deeply sorrowful due to her inability to bear a child. Her fervent prayer in the temple, misunderstood by Priest Eli, showcases her unwavering faith. Despite her emotional state, Hannah's prayer is heard, and she conceives Samuel, whom she dedicates to God. This narrative underscores the importance of persistent and heartfelt prayer, even in the face of adversity.
The Gospel reading from Mark presents Jesus teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum. His authoritative teaching astonishes the people, and He demonstrates His divine power by casting out an unclean spirit. This miracle not only establishes Jesus' authority but also spreads His fame, illustrating the immediate impact of His ministry. The connection between the two readings lies in their depiction of divine intervention—Hannah's prayer is answered, and Jesus' authority over evil spirits is revealed.
These stories encourage us to approach our challenges with faith and prayer. Like Hannah, we should trust in God's plan and seek His intervention with perseverance. Jesus' authority reminds us of God's power to transform our lives. As we navigate our own struggles, let us draw strength from these examples, trusting that our prayers are heard and that God's power is ever-present. May we, like Hannah and the people of Capernaum, find hope and transformation through our faith in God.