Four-Fold Theme

Greetings on this the Monday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: 1 Samuel 1:1-8; Psalm 116:12-13, 14-17, 18-19; Mark 1:14-20

Summary

Today is the first day of the first week of Ordinary Time. The first day of the first week establishes the four-fold theme throughout the period.

The four-fold reality of Ordinary Time.

1. Natural difficulty both interpersonal and biological.
2. The need to repent of missing the mark by our less than good intentions.
3. Praising God for answering our prayers.
4. Joining Jesus in his amazing mission.

The saced readings of the four-fold reality of Ordinary Time.

• Hannah, why do you weep, and why do you refuse to eat? Why do you grieve? (1 Sam 1:8b).
• Repent, and believe in the gospel (Mk 1:15c).
• To you, Lord, I will offer a sacrifice of praise (PS 116:17a).
• As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men. Then they abandoned their nets and followed him (Mk 1:16-18).

Thus Ordinary people:

• with difficulties in relationships and biology (infertility Hannah).
• heeding the call to set down the mistaken ways.
• praising the Lord for the good He has done for us.
• men and women called to do extraordinary things.

Reflection

Life is not a melodrama nor is it frictionless. It is in-between. Problems and triumphs. Joys and sorrows. The most basic calling for us is the ordinary – the foundational.

• Pray
• Repent
• Praise
• and join Jesus in his amazing journey.

Personal Reflection

May I follow you Jesus, all the days of my life. Teach me to pray, to repent, to praise, and to follow you.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011226.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry