Daily Readings - Wed Jan 10 2024
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 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.