Today's Gospel - January 11, 2012 with Reflection

1^st READING - 1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19-20

P S A L M - Psalm 40:2, 5, 7-8, 8-9, 10

R: Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.

 

Mark 1:29-39

29 On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. 30 Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. 31 He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them. 32 When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. 33 The whole town was gathered at the door. 34 He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him. 35 Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. 36Simon and those who were with him pursued him 37 and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.” 38 He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.”39 So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.

SABBATH

GOD SPEAKS TO YOU   The First Reading today gives us a delightful story of God calling out to Samuel, the son of Hannah. We read that Samuel had not yet understood the ways of the Lord. He was assisting the old priest, Eli, in the Temple when he heard a voice calling out his name. Three times he went to Eli in response to the voice. Eli then began to realize the voice was that of Yahweh who was seeking to catch the attention of young Samuel. We must rejoice in the Elis of our life who have helped us discern the voice of God. The author of the Book of Samuel tells us that it was rare in those days for God to speak. But we know that God desires to speak to us. He speaks to us in various ways: daily events, experiences, nature, the sacraments, Scripture, wise people, and so on. We just need to open our ears and hearts and be ready to respond to Him. “Speak, Lord, Your servant is listening.” We should follow the advice of the great old priest Eli. The Lord speaks to us “loud and clear” in the “whisper of silence.” In our prayer time, we seek the voice of the Lord. He quietly woos us in love, corrects our faults, or speaks words of comfort and mercy. God speaks to you now, even as you read and reflect on this message. Let us pray for the gift of prophecy. This is a Charismatic gift that God wishes to give His people. It is through this gift that God uses us as His spokesperson to others. Sometimes the Lord may reveal an image, word or experience either for you or another person. This is a supernatural way in which God communicates to His people. We pray for the gift of prophetic utterance to know the mind of the Lord and to build up the Body of Christ. The Scripture is a good way to grow in knowledge of what the Lord says to us. In the Bible, God always speaks to us since it is the revealed will of God. The Scriptures are Spirit-inspired, God-breathed, and life for our souls. Learn the Scriptures, study and pray them, for the Lord wants to speak to you. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL   REFLECTION QUESTION: What do you think the Lord is telling you now?   Lord, give me the grace to hear You speak to my heart. Let me understand the message You wish to give me today.