Reading 1 1 Sm 3:1-10, 19-20
During the time young Samuel was minister to the LORD under Eli,
a revelation of the LORD was uncommon and vision infrequent.
One day Eli was asleep in his usual place.
His eyes had lately grown so weak that he could not see.
The lamp of God was not yet extinguished,
and Samuel was sleeping in the temple of the LORD
where the ark of God was.
The LORD called to Samuel, who answered, "Here I am."
Samuel ran to Eli and said, "Here I am. You called me."
"I did not call you," Eli said. "Go back to sleep."
So he went back to sleep.
Again the LORD called Samuel, who rose and went to Eli.
"Here I am," he said. "You called me."
But Eli answered, "I did not call you, my son. Go back to sleep."
At that time Samuel was not familiar with the LORD,
because the LORD had not revealed anything to him as yet.
The LORD called Samuel again, for the third time.
Getting up and going to Eli, he said, "Here I am.
You called me."
Then Eli understood that the LORD was calling the youth.
So Eli said to Samuel, "Go to sleep, and if you are called, reply,
'Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.'"
When Samuel went to sleep in his place,
the LORD came and revealed his presence,
calling out as before, "Samuel, Samuel!"
Samuel answered, "Speak, for your servant is listening."
Samuel grew up, and the LORD was with him,
not permitting any word of his to be without effect.
Thus all Israel from Dan to Beersheba
came to know that Samuel was an accredited prophet of the LORD.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 40:2 And 5, 7-8a, 8b-9, 10
R. (8a and 9a) Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.
I have waited, waited for the LORD,
and he stooped toward me and heard my cry.
Blessed the man who makes the LORD his trust;
who turns not to idolatry
or to those who stray after falsehood.
R. Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.
Sacrifice or oblation you wished not,
but ears open to obedience you gave me.
Burnt offerings or sin-offerings you sought not;
then said I, "Behold I come."
R. Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.
"In the written scroll it is prescribed for me.
To do your will, O my God, is my delight,
and your law is within my heart!"
R. Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.
I announced your justice in the vast assembly;
I did not restrain my lips, as you, O LORD, know.
R. Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.
Gospel Mk 1:29-39
On leaving the synagogue
Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John.
Simon's mother-in-law lay sick with a fever.
They immediately told him about her.
He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up.
Then the fever left her and she waited on them.
When it was evening, after sunset,
they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons.
The whole town was gathered at the door.
He cured many who were sick with various diseases,
and he drove out many demons,
not permitting them to speak because they knew him.
Rising very early before dawn,
he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed.
Simon and those who were with him pursued him
and on finding him said, "Everyone is looking for you."
He told them, "Let us go on to the nearby villages
that I may preach there also.
For this purpose have I come."
So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons
throughout the whole of Galilee.
Meditation: Mark 1:29-39
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“Let us go on to the nearby villages.” (Mark 1:38)
With these few words, Jesus gave his disciples a glimpse into his heart and mind. He had spent the previous evening healing all the sick and troubled who came to his home in Capernaum. Then, after an early-morning prayer vigil, he was ready to set out for new territory. He had dedicated himself to healing, teaching, and preaching the gospel, and he could not allow other ideas—even attractive ones like a local, smaller-scaled ministry—to distract him.
Jesus had a lot going on in his life, didn’t he? But we do as well. We have many different callings— parent, employee, friend, spouse, parishioner—and we often wonder how we can keep on top of all of them.
By following Jesus’ example, that’s how! Not only did he have to keep on top of his own callings, he also had to deal with the countless people wanting his attention. Many sought him out for healing or to plead for a loved one’s deliverance. Others wanted to probe his teachings more deeply. Still others were laying traps, trying to discredit him. But somehow, Jesus kept his bearings. He never lost sight of who he was and what God had called him to do.
What was Jesus’ secret? Every day, he sought wisdom from his Father. Day in and day out, he carved out time for prayer so that he could enjoy companionship with his Father and keep his mission in the forefront of his mind.
It’s as simple as that. If we were to take time for the Lord each day, even just ten minutes, we would find ourselves more peaceful and more focused. We would find ourselves open to God’s direction and guidance. We would find ourselves more calm in tense situations and better equipped to overcome the distractions or fears or anxieties that come our way.
Our God is powerful and loving and patient. He delights when his children seek him in prayer. He enjoys spending time with us. He loves the opportunities to give us his peace and direction, to teach us and form us. What a privilege it is to have Almighty God as our own Father!
“Here I am, Father. Teach me how to walk in your presence and peace today.”
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