Mass Readings and Reflection for January 14, 2026: The Call of Samuel

Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

First Reading: (1 Samuel 3:1–10, 19–20)

Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 40:2, 4, 7–8, 8–9, 10)

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

Alleluia: (1 Thessalonians 2:13)

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Receive the word of God, not as the word of men,
but as it truly is, the word of God.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel: (Mark 1:29–39)

Reflection

Today’s readings revolve around hearing God and responding to Him with availability. We pray and talk to God daily and He talks to us daily too but not the the ways our human minds can comprehend. 

In 1. Samuel: Learning to Recognize God’s Voice

Samuel doesn’t recognize the Lord at first.
He mistakes the divine call for something ordinary-Eli’s voice.

That’s us so often.
God speaks quietly, repeatedly, patiently.
But we need stillness, humility, and guidance to recognize Him.

Samuel’s prayer becomes the model for every disciple:

“Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”

It’s not a prayer of demand.
It’s a prayer of surrender.

2. Jesus: Healing, Serving, and Retreating to Pray

The Gospel shows Jesus in constant motion:

• He heals

• He restores

• He teaches

• He casts out darkness

• He withdraws to pray

• He moves forward to the next mission

This rhythm is the Christian life:

Receive → Serve → Pray → Go forth

Simon’s mother-in-law is healed-and immediately begins to serve.
Healing leads to mission.

3. The Connection Between the Readings

Samuel listens.
Jesus acts.
Both reveal the heart of discipleship:

Availability.

God doesn’t ask for perfection.
He asks for openness.

“Here I am, Lord.”
“Speak, Lord.”
“I come to do your will.”

These are the three movements of a heart aligned with God.

Personal Takeaway for Today

I asked God for the grace to hear Him in the quiet moments,
and the courage to respond when He calls. Our world has grown perpetually noisy and we need the grace of God to hear Him when He calls.

Even if the call is small.
Even if the mission is simple.
Even if the next step is unclear.

Because every prophet begins the same way:

“Here I am.”

I hope you got something. Today's was definitely unique.

God bless you

Pal Ronnie