Deacon Matt's Reflection

Reflection for 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: January 14, 2024

1 Sam 3:3b-10, 19:  As we reflect on this passage, notice that it took three experiences of Samuel being called, before Eli recognized that it was the Lord calling Samuel. Eli then taught Samuel how to respond to the Lord’s call; inviting God to speak, by reassuring God that he (Samuel) is listening. When we pray, do we try to “do all the talking,” or do we take time to listen… giving God time to respond? Silently listening in every prayer session is an utmost necessity for effective prayer and spiritual growth. Another question to ponder is whether we help others to recognize God’s call in their lives. If you meet someone whom you think would do well at any given vocation or career; including religious life, do you encourage them to consider it, or ask them if they’ve already considered it? Don’t be afraid to ask! It might be the Lord’s own voice; inside of you, asking you to give that future doctor, nurse, sister or priest support. Do so!

Psalm 40: “Here am I, Lord; I come to do Your Will.” How often do we approach our God with this level of docile self-surrender? Let’s try practicing this prayer of “abandoning ourselves” to God… putting  ourselves, at God’s disposal, to listen to God, and to do God’s Will! For sure, this will involve practicing the “listening to God” that we are already considering from the first reading.
It may be scary to first start practicing “listening to God,” but it will also certainly be exciting and fill us with joy. God will ask us to do little things; little things with great love. These “little things” often add up to make a big difference in both ours and others’ lives! Serenity is the spiritual fruit of listening to God and doing God’s Will!

1 Cor 6:13c-15a; 17-20:  Consider how we’ve just reflected upon the holy fruitfulness of listening to God and doing God’s Will. We have pondered that we are being called to “self-surrender;” giving ourselves, in obedience to God’s Will for us. Now, Paul is instructing us in the truth that our very bodies are not our own. Body and soul, we belong to Jesus; as He redeemed us by His death, on the Cross, for our sins! We are now told that our bodies are now “temples,” consecrated by the Precious Blood of Christ, when He gave Himself up for our sins!

Paul is telling us to treat our own bodies with the respect and dignity that we would give to any other temple of worship! Let us “ingest” only reading material that is pure and helpful to the spirit. Let us ensure that we eat healthily and exercise regularly to best care for these “temples of God,” our bodies!

John 1:35-42:  Now recall that we’ve reflected upon the importance of listening to God’s promptings to us, directly through God, or through others. We have also considered that sometimes God speaks to others through us… such as when we feel inspired to ask others  questions like… “Hey, have you ever considered becoming a (        ) or doing (       )?

In today’s Gospel, John the Baptist encourages Andrew to follow Jesus; while Andrew (also listening to God’s promptings) calls Peter to Jesus. Now, we see how this whole reciprocal relationship with God works. We listen. We respond and obey. Sometimes, the call is to us, while at other times the call is to others, through us. Whichever way it goes, we are all called to listen, to respond and to obey!

Pray! Listen! Be transformed! 
Deacon Matt