First Week of Ordinary Time

Sam. 9:1-4, 17-19, 10:1 & Mk. 2:13-17

Called to be king of Israel in very ordinary circumstances, Saul was anointed by Samuel with utter simplicity. He looked every inch a king, the most handsome man in Israel, but because somebody looks regal does not necessarily mean that they are. His reign was to lead the lsraelites on a new course and it proved to be a very turbulent one.

Sam. 8:4-7; 10-22 & Mk 2:1-12

Throughout history people have tended to be never satisfied with their circumstances. Are we always looking for something better to turn up, and to be like those who seem to be better off in life than ourselves?

1 Sam. 4:1-11 & Mk. 1:40-45

Today’s readings are all about our attitude to God and our approach to Him when we pray.

1 Sam. 3:1-10, 19-20 & Mk. 1:29-39

A man lost his hearing. An operation to have it restored was a failure. On leaving the hospital he commented, 'I would have liked to have had my hearing back but it was not to be. At least I can thank God that the most important thing still remains - I will still hear the voice of the Lord speaking to me.'

Sam. 1:9-20 & Mk. 1:21-28.

Hannah was a devout woman whose life was complete except for one thing - she had borne no children. It was a public shame and a private curse to be barren in Old Testament times. The ancient Jew's answer to the problem of death was to live on in one's own children, but if no children came, then there was no hope of personal immortality. Hannah had often taken her problem to God in prayer.

1 Sam. 1:1-8 & Mk. 1:14-20

As people of faith, trying our best to live the faith each day, we are called upon to believe that God guides and directs our personal lives, as well as world events. At times to emphasis His providential care, God acts in extraordinary ways. One of His favourite ways is to surround, with unusual circumstances, the birth of certain persons who will be particularly instrumental in carrying out His plan.

Heb. 4:12-16 & Mk.2:13-17

`The Letter to the Hebrews has its own unique way in praising the word of God. It writes “the word of the God is something alive and active; it cuts like any double-edged sword but more finely.” There is much we can draw from its description. It is living and not a relic of the past. It invites us to strengthen our faith and persevere in our love. It challenges us to grow in holiness and avoid any attachment to sin.

Heb. 4:1-5, 11 & Mk.2:1-12

What sad words they are in the first reading, “I swore that not one would reach the place of rest I had for them.” God is speaking about those Jews in the wilderness who had been freed from the tyranny of Pharaoh but, despite all the signs and wonders He had worked for them, they were unfaithful to Him. If we are unfaithful to God after all He has done for us those very words could apply to us.

Heb. 3:7-14 & Mk. 1:40-45

Today’s first reading quotes Psalm 95 with its warning to us not to be like those Jews in the wilderness who were disgruntled with God because of their hunger and thirst. But He had worked wonders to bring them out of Egypt. Should they not have trusted Him to care for them and bring them safely into the land that He had promised? Obviously they had not allowed the word of God to penetrate their hardened hearts and, as a result, had lost God’s favour and were not given the privilege of entering the Promised Land.

Heb. 2:14-18 & Mk. 1:29-39