January 14 - 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today's Readings:
Reading 1, First Samuel 4:1-11
Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 44:10-11, 14-15, 25-26
Gospel, Mark 1:40-45

One of my favorite scripture stories is this one from 1 Samuel where little Samuel kept waking up Eli thinking Eli was calling him. After a long night of interrupted sleep Eli finally realized it must be GOD calling Samuel as he sure knew he, Eli, was not calling Samuel. I thank God for keeping on calling Samuel and us! I thank God for Eli’s wisdom in realizing Who was calling.

We do not always hear God’s call. So, we need to be Eli for one another and urge each other to say to God, “Speak Lord for your servant is listening.”

Samuel was glad to learn to say, “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.”

Such a simple prayer. The best!

How can we better listen to God?

5 years ago our grandson, Blair skied into a mountain to avoid ramming into a family stopped in his path in front of him. He died a few days later from those injuries sustained on the slopes. Yesterday was what would have been our grandson Blair’s birthday. Blair’s mother did not teach yesterday. Today she found out her sub was Kristy Blair.

Everyone in our family finds the name, Kristy Blair comforting, to say the least. Are we listening to God or are we just wishful thinkers? Following Jesus and listening can be comforting.