Open to Hear to the Lord's Voice
Reflections on the readings for the Second Sunday of Ordinary Time (January 14, 2018): 1 SM 3:3B-10, 19; PS 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10; 1 COR 6:13C-15A, 17-20; JN 1:35-42
MISSIO offers “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
Moving into Ordinary Time means focusing on the essential, yet everyday, aspects of Christ’s life and ministry rather than the extraordinary events surrounding Christmas or Easter. Today’s readings remind us that God calls every person to know Him and welcome His mercy. The story of the prophet Samuel introduces us to a youngster chosen by our Almighty Father to guide the Jewish people. Yet the boy does not recognize God’s voice until a wise elder advises him. “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’” (1 Samuel 3:9-10).
We, too, sometimes need the help of others to understand God’s will for us. We need to open ourselves to all our Lord asks of us through prayer and service His people. We need to be willing to listen to His guidance however it may come to us. Let us use these days of Ordinary Time to examine our daily lives and how we can grow closer to our Savior in all we do.
