The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to contemplate our preparedness to respond, prompted by the Spirit, to act in Jesus name.
Sharing the Love
The reading from the First Book of Samuel reveals Samuel’s calling and prophetic activity.
* [3:2–18] The call of Samuel: This section may be divided as follows: 1. the triple summons (vv. 2–9); 2. God’s revelation (vv. 10–14); 3. Samuel informs Eli (vv. 15–18).1
Psalm 40 is a thanksgiving for deliverance and a prayer for help.
* [Psalm 40] A thanksgiving (Ps 40:2–13) has been combined with a lament (Ps 40:14–17) that appears also in Ps 70. The psalmist describes the rescue in spatial terms—being raised up from the swampy underworld to firm earth where one can praise God (Ps 40:2–4). All who trust God will experience like protection (Ps 40:5–6)! The Psalm stipulates the precise mode of thanksgiving: not animal sacrifice but open and enthusiastic proclamation of the salvation just experienced (Ps 40:7–11). A prayer for protection concludes (Ps 40:12–17).2
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus heals many at Simon’s house and begins a preaching tour in Galilee.
* [1:21–45] The account of a single day’s ministry of Jesus on a sabbath in and outside the synagogue of Capernaum (Mk 1:21–31) combines teaching and miracles of exorcism and healing. Mention is not made of the content of the teaching but of the effect of astonishment and alarm on the people. Jesus’ teaching with authority, making an absolute claim on the hearer, was in the best tradition of the ancient prophets, not of the scribes. The narrative continues with events that evening (Mk 1:32–34; see notes on Mt 8:14–17) and the next day (Mk 1:35–39). The cleansing in Mk 1:40–45 stands as an isolated story.3
Ann Mausbach thinks today’s gospel is, through Jesus’s example, showing us how to approach busyness. And as always is the case with God’s wisdom, he shows us how to navigate the duplicity inherent in living life in a way that serves.
First, this reading brings up the importance for us of availability… The definition of available is “of use or service; at hand.” … Going head to head with the kingdom of evil was God’s will for him so he made himself available. We need to ask ourselves what are we making ourselves available for? Are we reaching out to those in genuine need or are we centered on being available only to ourselves? The second incredible thing that Jesus models for us here is balance. Being available and giving of yourself so completely can be tiring and take its toll. Jesus knows and understands that for him to balance his availability he needed quality time with God. The definition of balance is “to keep or put (something) in a steady position so that it does not fall.” By going to a deserted place to pray Jesus is able to reflect and renew his spirit so he doesn’t fall. His close relationship with God allows him to keep going. Are we staying close to the source of all love in our busyness?4
Don Schwager quotes “The habit of prayer,” by Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD).
"Jesus prayed and did not pray in vain, since he received what he asked for in prayer when he might have done so without prayer. If so, who among us would neglect to pray? Mark says that 'in the morning, a great while before day, he rose and went out to a lonely place, and there he prayed' (Mark 1:35). And Luke says, 'He was praying in a certain place, and when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray,"' (Luke 11:1) and elsewhere, 'And all night he continued in prayer to God' (Luke 6:12). And John records his prayer, saying, 'When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you"' (John 17:1). The same Evangelist writes that the Lord said that he knew 'you hear me always' (John 11:42). All this shows that the one who prays always is always heard." (excerpt from ON PRAYER 13.1)5
The Word Among Us Meditation on 1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19-20 comments that the calling of Samuel reminds us that we aren’t alone in our efforts to understand God’s call. He gives us brothers and sisters in Christ who can use their different gifts to help us hear and accept it. That means that none of us individually needs to try and discern God’s will for our lives on our own. God has united us as a body of believers, some of whom are meant to accompany and guide us on our faith journey. The Lord works through these friends, spiritual directors, and confessors to help us to “see” so that we can know and follow his will for every season of our lives.
So if you are trying to discover what God might be saying to you, you may get clarity through the help and prayers of another believer. Sometimes God wants us to rely on others just so that we can have more confidence in his direction and guidance. Not only that, but he uses these opportunities to knit us closer to one another. Of course, we all experience some degree of trial and error in this. It took three tries before Samuel and Eli finally recognized God’s voice! But with the help of a fellow disciple, you too will be able to hear the Lord’s call and say to him, “Speak, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10). “Lord, send me trusted friends who can help me to follow you more closely.”6
Friar Jude Winkler traces the calling of Samuel to his becoming a prophet and judge in Israel. Peter’s Mother in Law shows us that the response to God’s goodness is to share the love in service of others. Friar Jude observes that Jesus is filled with the Holy Spirit in His time of prayer.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, offers several images to help readers understand the dynamism of Trinitarian love.
The Franciscan philosopher, theologian, and mystic Saint Bonaventure (c. 1217–1274) described the Trinity as a “fountain fullness” of overflowing love… This is nothing I can make logical or rational. It’s only experiential, and it’s only known in the mystery of love when we surrender ourselves to it, when we grant the other inherent dignity and voice—the plant, the animal, the tree, the sky, Brother Sun and Sister Moon as my Father Francis of Assisi put it. The contemplative mind refuses to objectify. It grants similarity, subject to subject relationship, likeness, symbolism, communion, connection, meaning. We can use whatever words or images are helpful, but suddenly we live in an alive universe where we can never be lonely again.7
Our invitation to participate in the Love of the Trinity begins our transformation in love and service.
References
No comments:
Post a Comment