Daily Readings - Wed Jan 10 2018
1 Samuel
1The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions.2One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place.3The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was.4Then the LORD called Samuel. Samuel answered, "Here I am."5And he ran to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me." But Eli said, "I did not call; go back and lie down." So he went and lay down.6Again the LORD called, "Samuel!" And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me.My son," Eli said, "I did not call; go back and lie down."7Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD: The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him.8The LORD called Samuel a third time, and Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me." Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy.9So Eli told Samuel, "Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.'" So Samuel went and lay down in his place.10The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening."19The LORD was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of his words fall to the ground.20And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba recognized that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the LORD.
Mark
29As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew.30Simon's mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told Jesus about her.31So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.32That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed.33The whole town gathered at the door,34and 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.35Very 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.36Simon and his companions went to look for him,37and when they found him, they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking for you!"38Jesus replied, "Let us go somewhere else--to the nearby villages--so I can preach there also. That is why I have come."39So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of listening, faith, and mission. In the first reading from 1 Samuel, we encounter the young Samuel, who is called by the Lord while serving in the temple. Despite his initial confusion and the guidance of Eli, Samuel learns to recognize the voice of God and responds with openness and humility. This passage reminds us that God can speak to us in unexpected ways, even when we are young or inexperienced. Samuel’s willingness to listen and obey sets him on a path of faithfulness that will shape his life and the history of Israel.
In the Gospel, we see Jesus embarking on his mission of healing and preaching. After healing Peter’s mother-in-law, Jesus spends the evening tending to the sick and casting out demons, demonstrating his compassion and power. The next morning, instead of staying in a place where he is celebrated, Jesus chooses to move on, explaining that he must preach to others. This passage highlights Jesus’ focus on his divine mission and his commitment to serving those in need. Like Samuel, Jesus listens to the Father’s will and acts with purpose, showing us that faith is not static but active and oriented toward serving others.
These readings challenge us to examine our own lives. Are we like Samuel, open to hearing God’s voice, even when it comes unexpectedly? Or are we like the people in the Gospel, seeking Jesus for our own needs but perhaps hesitant to follow him on his mission? The moral lesson here is clear: faith is not just about believing; it is about responding. Like Samuel, we must say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening,” and then act with courage and humility. Like Jesus, we must be willing to move beyond our comfort zones to share God’s love and light with others. May we, too, grow in faith and fidelity, allowing God’s call to shape our lives and guide our actions.