January 10, Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
Daily readings: 1 Samuel 3: 1-10, 19-20, Mark 1: 29-39
The rarity of the Word and vision of God characterizes the era in which Samuel receives his calling. Eli is old and has poor eyesight. Samuel is young and ignorant of many things. Visions are rare. It is not because God does not communicate with His people, but rather because people are reluctant to listen to the Word of God. Listening to God implies obedience. Samuel’s vocation is to become the voice and messenger of God. His role is to prophesy.
Eli’s intervention (sharper insight) helps Samuel recognize God and thus respond to God in the words of Eli. Later on, Samuel will help Israel go through the transitional stages from theocracy to monarchy. Leadership moves from the priests to the king. God raises priest-prophets to minister to the Lord. Prophecy in Israel slowly becomes the conscience of the king and nation.
The Gospel Reading presents an eventful day in the ministerial life of Jesus. After having taught in the Synagogue, Jesus heals the mother-in-law of Simon Peter and numerous other sick people and liberates some people from the clutches of demons. Markan Jesus silences all the beneficiaries of his miracles and the demons who immediately recognize his true identity. Thus, he hides his Messianic character with a specific purpose.
Jesus begins the next day in prayer, all by himself in a deserted place. He has to recharge himself for the activities of the next day. He has to move on to other places too, and therefore he wouldn’t love to get caught up in the same place with the same people. In Jesus, we have a strong Son of Man who has authority over evil spirits and a tender Son of Man who has compassion for all those who are suffering. Jesus is the beneficiary of miracles performed by God's finger. They are the manifestations of God’s kingdom.
Benedictine monk Agatho Thaumaturgus was a married man who renounced everything for the sake of Christ. He went on to become a confessor and Pope. He was known for his gentleness and unfailing charity.
Call to Action for Catholic Living: Miracles and authoritative teachings of Jesus flow from his profound communion with God. Where do I draw my strength from?
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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