Greetings on this the Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: 1 Sm 3:1-10, 19-20; PS 40:2 and 5, 7-8a, 8b-9, 10; Mk 1:29-39
Notes
I was thinking about the connection between Samuel and Jesus. Year 2 of the daily readings, week one, begins with Samuel. So Samuel must have a prominent role in preparing for and understanding the role and person of Jesus. So what else to do? Google it! Others have outlined wonderful parallels with Samuel and Jesus. Some very thorough research by others. In our first reading today, Samuel is shown to be both a Priest (assistant to Eli) and Prophet (a summary statement at the end of the first reading). Jesus, as you know, is Priest, Prophet and King – merging all of the Priests, Prophets, and Royal Kingship into one person. Samuel was a leader concerned with right relation and good governance. He expected people in authority to act accordingly and to be admonished when they error in behavior or policy. So we can see the powerful parallels between Samuel and Jesus.
There is the missing component that our gospel portion contains today: Preaching the Good News and Healing the Sick. Samuel was a bit insecure and did not have a cheerful or hopeful disposition (in relative comparison to David). Samuel never healed anyone. Jesus did everything Samuel did and more.
Reference on Samuel: https://studyandobey.com/character-studies/samuel-character-study/
Summary
Jesus is everything Samuel and more. Jesus was cheerful and optimistic in trusting the Father all things. He had a sense of humor. He shared comfortably and well. Of course, most importantly, Jesus proclaimed the Joy of the Lord most convincingly and went about healing people. Jesus had a mission “for this reason I have come“. The reason? He went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee. We can say that expelling demons is the height of the healing arts.
Reflection
So my reflection has tow components to it. Firstly, Samuel was not perfect at all but he did stick to the knitting and preached the right relation of man-to-god and man-to-man. He established the need for the leadership to act rightly and in the interest of the people. He made sure that transfer of power was as peaceful as possible, for as we know, we have a modern day Saul in our midst.
Sorry, my commentary about Trump and Biden. The sick part is some think Trump the David of the story without every considering the stories about Saul. Yikes!
Saul chased David all over Israel trying to kill him. He was David’s enemy—getting in the way of what God intended for David to do. But David wouldn’t return hatred with hatred. Saul actually tried to kill him, even so, when David had the chance to get rid of Saul, he wouldn’t do it.
What we do is important. But what Jesus does is supreme. Proclaiming Joy of the Gosepl with conviction and reality. Healing the sick and expelling demons so that people may have the life the Lord wants for them. Jesus and Samuel, best buds in heaven.
Personal Reflection
I have to remember to do my part. But discerning what that part is, how to do it, and knowing when it should shift and adjust in order to promote the growth and health of the human family. I am not as joyful as Jesus but my joy is in him. I am not as perfect as Jesus, but my perfection comes from him. I am a weak-minded, weak-kneed disciple but Jesus is my strength.
I announced your justice in the vast assembly; I did not restrain my lips, as you, O LORD, know. This psalm speaks of Samuel and Jesus. I think of me too. But none of that is important in comparison to the healing presence of God. Amen!
First Reading
During the time young Samuel was minister to the LORD under Eli, a revelation of the LORD was uncommon and vision infrequent. One day Eli was asleep in his usual place. His eyes had lately grown so weak that he could not see. The lamp of God was not yet extinguished, and Samuel was sleeping in the temple of the LORD where the ark of God was. The LORD called to Samuel, who answered, “Here I am.” Samuel grew up, and the LORD was with him, not permitting any word of his to be without effect. Thus all Israel from Dan to Beersheba came to know that Samuel was an accredited prophet of the LORD.
Responsorial
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.
Gospel
On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them.
When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him.
[Simon looked for Jesus early in the morning] on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.” He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.” So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry