Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 10, 2024
First Reading: 1 Samuel 3.1-10, 19-20
1And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.2And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see;3And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep;4That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I.5And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down.6And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again.7Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him.8And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child.9Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.10And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.19And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.20And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD.
Psalm 40
1I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.2He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.3And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.4Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.5Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.6Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.7Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,8I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.9I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.10I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.11Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.12For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.13Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me: O LORD, make haste to help me.14Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil.15Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha.16Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.17But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.
Gospel: Mark 1.29-39
29And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.30But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her.31And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them.32And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils.33And all the city was gathered together at the door.34And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.35And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.36And Simon and they that were with him followed after him.37And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee.38And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth.39And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of listening to God’s call, trusting in His plan, and living out our faith in service to others. In the first reading, we encounter the young Samuel, who is still learning to discern the voice of the Lord. Though he is unsure at first, Eli’s guidance helps him recognize God’s call, and he responds with openness and humility. This passage reminds us that God speaks to us in various ways, and we must cultivate the ability to listen and trust in His providence. Samuel’s journey from uncertainty to faithful service is a powerful reminder that God can use anyone, regardless of age or experience, to fulfill His purposes.
In the Gospel, we see Jesus actively living out His mission of healing and preaching. He heals Peter’s mother-in-law, and soon the entire town gathers at His doorstep, seeking healing and liberation from demons. Jesus’ actions demonstrate His compassion and authority, and they reveal the heart of His mission: to bring light and life to a world in need. His early rising to pray before continuing His ministry also teaches us the importance of prayer as the foundation of our service to others. Like Jesus, we are called to be instruments of God’s love and healing in the lives of those around us.
These readings challenge us to examine our own lives. Are we like Samuel, open to hearing God’s voice and willing to respond? Or do we often miss His call because we are distracted or unsure? Like Jesus, are we willing to step out in faith, using the gifts and resources we have to serve others? Today, let us ask for the grace to listen more deeply to God’s voice and to live with the same compassion and purpose that Jesus showed. May we, like Samuel and Jesus, be faithful in our response to God’s call and generous in our love for others.