Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 14, 2026
First Reading: 1 Samuel 3.1-10, 19-20
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.
Psalm 40
1I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.2He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.3He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.4Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.5Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.6Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but my ears you have pierced,; burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require.7Then I said, "Here I am, I have come- it is written about me in the scroll.8I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart."9I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, as you know, O LORD.10I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly.11Do not withhold your mercy from me, O LORD; may your love and your truth always protect me.12For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me.13Be pleased, O LORD, to save me; O LORD, come quickly to help me.14May all who seek to take my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace.15May those who say to me, "Aha! Aha!" be appalled at their own shame.16But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, "The LORD be exalted!"17Yet I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; O my God, do not delay.
Gospel: Mark 1.29-39
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
Our first reading today from the Book of Samuel presents a beautiful and foundational image of divine calling. Young Samuel serves in the temple, unaware of God's direct voice. Repeatedly called in the night, he mistakes it for Eli, his mentor. It is only through Eli's wise discernment that Samuel learns to respond with open humility: "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening." This moment marks the beginning of Samuel's prophetic journey, illustrating how God often calls us, sometimes subtly, sometimes persistently, and the vital role of spiritual guidance in helping us recognize His presence and hear His word amidst the noise of our lives. Samuel's growth and faithfulness demonstrate the power of a heart attuned to God's will.
In the Gospel of Mark, we witness Jesus' active ministry unfold with power and compassion. He heals Simon's mother-in-law, then spends the evening healing many others, clearly demonstrating his divine authority over illness and evil. Yet, amidst such intense demands and widespread popularity, Jesus does not succumb to the endless clamor for his attention. Instead, he withdraws to a deserted place to pray, grounding his ministry in intimate communion with the Father. This spiritual renewal clarifies his purpose: "Let us go into the neighboring towns and cities, so that I may preach there also. Indeed, it was for this reason that I came." Jesus teaches us that true service to God flows not merely from responding to every demand, but from a clear understanding of our divine mission, sustained by persistent prayer.
Both readings, though separated by centuries, speak to a central truth: our lives of faith are a rhythm of listening and responding. Like Samuel, we are called to cultivate an inner readiness to hear God’s voice, trusting that He speaks to us in various ways – through scripture, prayer, conscience, and the wisdom of others. And like Jesus, our active engagement in the world, our service and witness, must always be rooted in a deep, personal relationship with God, regularly nurtured through prayer and reflection. It is by saying, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening," and then seeking the quiet places to connect with Him, that we are empowered to live out our mission, bringing His healing and truth to those around us, not according to our own strength or the world's demands, but according to His divine will.