Daily Readings - Wed Jan 12 2022
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
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on the essence of listening to and responding to God's call. The first reading from 1 Samuel tells the story of the young Samuel, who, while serving in the temple under the guidance of Eli, experiences a series of divine calls. Initially, Samuel mistakes the voice of God for Eli, but with Eli's wisdom, he learns to recognize and respond to the Lord's voice. This marks the beginning of Samuel's journey as a prophet, emphasizing the theme of humility and openness to God's will.
The Gospel reading from Mark presents Jesus in the midst of His ministry, demonstrating His divine power through healing and exorcisms. After healing Peter's mother-in-law, Jesus continues His mission, preaching in neighboring towns and villages. This passage highlights Jesus' dedication to His Father's will, showing that His ministry is not confined to a single place but is a continuous journey of service and proclamation.
Both readings underscore the importance of discernment and response to God's call. Samuel's story teaches us the value of humility and attentiveness, while Jesus' ministry illustrates the commitment required to fulfill God's plan. In our daily lives, we are called to listen for God's voice, whether through prayer, scripture, or the circumstances around us. Like Samuel, we may need guidance to discern God's will, and like Jesus, we must be willing to act with courage and trust. Let us strive to cultivate a deep listening heart, ready to respond faithfully to God's invitations, trusting in His plan for our lives.