Daily Readings - Tue Jan 11 2022
1 Samuel
9Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on a chair by the doorpost of the LORD's temple.10In bitterness of soul Hannah wept much and prayed to the LORD.11And she made a vow, saying, "O LORD Almighty, if you will only look upon your servant's misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head."12As she kept on praying to the LORD, Eli observed her mouth.13Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk14and said to her, "How long will you keep on getting drunk? Get rid of your wine."15"Not so, my lord," Hannah replied, "I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the LORD.16Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief."17Eli answered, "Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him."18She said, "May your servant find favor in your eyes." Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast.19Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the LORD and then went back to their home at Ramah. Elkanah lay with Hannah his wife, and the LORD remembered her.20So in the course of time Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, "Because I asked the LORD for him."
Mark
21They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach.22The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.23Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out,24"What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are--the Holy One of God!"25"Be quiet!" said Jesus sternly. "Come out of him!"26The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.27The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, "What is this? A new teaching--and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him."28News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.
Sermon
The readings today present us with two powerful stories of faith and trust in God’s providence. In the first reading, we encounter Hannah, a woman deeply troubled by her infertility and the mockery she endures. Her prayer is one of raw emotion and sincerity, pouring out her sorrow before the Lord. Despite Eli’s initial misunderstanding, Hannah’s persistence and faith are rewarded when God remembers her and blesses her with a son, Samuel, whom she dedicates back to God. This story reminds us of the power of prayer and the importance of trusting in God’s timing and plan, even in the midst of suffering.
In the Gospel, we see Jesus exercising His authority over the forces of evil. In the synagogue at Capernaum, Jesus teaches with authority, and when confronted by an unclean spirit, He commands it to leave. The people are amazed not only by His teaching but also by His power over the spiritual realm. This passage highlights Jesus’ divine authority and His mission to free humanity from the grip of sin and evil. It invites us to reflect on our own trust in Jesus’ power to transform our lives and to recognize the spiritual battles we face daily.
Both readings call us to a deeper trust in God. Like Hannah, we may face trials and uncertainties, but her example teaches us to bring our struggles to God with honesty and perseverance. Like the people in Capernaum, we are reminded of Jesus’ authority over all things, including the forces of darkness. Let us apply this to our daily lives by seeking God in prayer, trusting in His plan, and turning to Him for strength in our own struggles. May we, like Hannah and the people of Capernaum, find grace and liberation through our faith in God.