First Reading (1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19-20)
Reading from the First Book of Samuel.
In those days, the young Samuel was serving the Lord in the presence of Eli. At that time, the word of the Lord was rare, and visions were not frequent. One day, Eli was sleeping in his room; his eyes were beginning to grow dim, and he could not see well. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was sleeping in the temple of the Lord where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called, “Samuel, Samuel!” He answered, “Here I am!” and ran to Eli and said, “You called me; here I am.” But Eli said, “I did not call you; go back to sleep.” So he went and lay down.
The Lord called again, “Samuel, Samuel!” And Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But Eli said, “I did not call, my son; go back to sleep.” Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not been revealed to him. The Lord called Samuel again, the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.'” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.” Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, knew that Samuel was established as a prophet of the Lord.
— The word of the Lord.
— Thanks be to God.
Gospel (Mark 1:29-39)
— Proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Mark.
— Glory to you, Lord.
At that time, Jesus left the synagogue and went, with James and John, to the house of Simon and Andrew. Simon’s mother-in-law was lying in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. He approached, took her by the hand, and helped her up. The fever left her, and she began to serve them. In the evening, after sunset, they brought to Jesus all who were sick or possessed by demons. The whole town gathered at the door. Jesus healed many people with various diseases and drove out many demons. He would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.
In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up and went to a deserted place to pray. Simon and his companions went to look for him. When they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you.” Jesus replied, “Let us go to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.” And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.
— The Gospel of the Lord.
— Praise to you, Lord.
Refletindo a Palavra de Deus
My brothers and sisters in Christ,
May the peace and grace of the Lord be with you! Today, I would like to share with you a message inspired by the biblical passages from the First Reading, taken from the first book of Samuel, and the Gospel according to Mark. These stories offer us precious lessons to connect with the daily experiences of our lives and challenge us to live according to the will of God.
Imagine yourself for a moment in the bustling scene of your daily routine. We are all familiar with the demands and responsibilities we face. Work, family concerns, household tasks—the list seems endless. Our days are filled with obligations, and often, we feel like ships lost in a sea of tasks.
But even amid this turmoil, God is present, calling us to a deeper communion with Him. He speaks to our hearts, even in the most ordinary situations. And that’s exactly what we see in today’s First Reading.
Samuel was just beginning his journey with God. He was a young servant in the temple, an apprentice priest. Amidst the noise of the Sanctuary, Samuel heard a voice calling him by name. He got up, ran to Eli, the more experienced priest, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.”
However, it was God Himself who was calling Samuel. This story reminds us that, even in the midst of the noise and rush of our lives, God is personally calling us. He wants to speak to us, reveal His plans and desires for us. We need to be attentive and sensitive to His voice, ready to respond, “Here I am, Lord.”
How often, in the midst of our own concerns and tasks, do we fail to hear the voice of God? How often do we neglect the divine calling in our lives? God may be calling us to a specific mission, to a ministry of service to others, or simply to a deeper relationship with Him. It’s time to stop, listen, and respond to the Lord’s call.
But how can we discern the voice of God amid the many voices clamoring for our attention? Well, just as Samuel ran to Eli, the priest, for guidance, we too can seek the help of those more experienced in our faith. Our Church provides guidance and wisdom through priests, sacraments, and the faith community. We don’t have to walk alone in this spiritual journey. Let’s seek the counsel and direction of those who have gone before us in faith.
In today’s Gospel, we see Jesus in action, healing the sick and casting out demons. He brought hope and liberation to those who sought Him. But what is even more astonishing is the crowd that gathered around Jesus. They came from all places, bringing their sick and needy. And just like in the First Reading, Jesus also heard the call of those who sought Him.
What can we learn from this crowd? They teach us about the importance of seeking Jesus with sincerity and trust. They went to Him without hesitation, believing that He could bring healing and liberation. We too must seek Jesus in every circumstance of our lives. When faced with illness, emotional or spiritual challenges, we should not hesitate to seek the healing and liberation that only He can offer.
But, in addition to seeking Jesus for our personal healing, we are also called to be instruments of healing and liberation for others. In the Gospel, we hear that Jesus healed Simon Peter’s mother-in-law, and she immediately got up and began to serve Him. She experienced healing and responded with loving service. How often, when touched by God’s grace, do we respond with gratitude and service to others?
My brothers and sisters, the message of these biblical passages is clear: God is calling each of us to a deep relationship with Him. He wants to heal us, liberate us, and empower us to live a full life in His presence. We need to be attentive to His voice, seek Him with confidence, and respond with gratitude and service to others.
Today, I challenge you to reflect on how these lessons apply to your daily lives. How can you hear God’s voice amid the noise and distractions of the world? How can you seek healing and liberation from Jesus in your lives? And, most importantly, how can you respond with gratitude and service to others?
Allow me to offer some practical guidance. First, establish a daily time of silence and prayer where you can hear God’s voice. Turn off your phones, turn off the TV, and find a quiet place to be alone with God. Ask Him what He wants to say to you and be open to the answers He gives.
Second, seek healing and liberation from Jesus through the sacraments. Regularly participate in the Eucharist, where we can encounter the living presence of Christ. Confess your sins and receive the forgiveness and healing that only He can offer. And don’t forget the power of personal and communal prayer. Take time to pray for yourself and for others.
Finally, find practical ways to respond to God’s call through service to others. Look for opportunities to help those who are sick, needy, or oppressed. Visit the sick, support those in difficulties, and be agents of healing and compassion in your circles of influence.
My brothers and sisters, God’s grace is within reach. He is calling us to a deeper relationship with Him and to be instruments of healing and love in a wounded world. Follow the example of Samuel, who heard God’s voice even in the midst of noise, and of the crowd seeking healing and liberation from Jesus. Be open and ready to respond to the Lord’s call, with gratitude and service to others.
May the grace of God be with you, and may you be strengthened in your spiritual journey. May this message from the Scriptures become tangible and applicable in your daily lives. And may you be a bright light of God’s love in this world.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
