The response of Samuel and Andrew shows us how we call upon the Lord in our moment of need and then share what we have received with those placed in our lives.
Mass Readings – 2nd Sunday of the Year
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Daily Mass: Christ comes to call (us!) sinners. Catholic Inspiration
During the call of Levi – who leaves his post and follows Jesus – we hear the encouraging words of the Lord, who “did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” May we recognize our need for ongoing conversion as we turn away from sin and follow Christ.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 1st Week of the Year
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Daily Mass: Be somebody’s somebody today. Catholic Inspiration
The healing miracle and revelation of Jesus as God are made possible through the selfless service of four friends who made the effort to help somebody in need. May their example inspire us to be somebody’s somebody today!
Mass Readings – Friday of the 1st Week of the Year
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Daily Mass: If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts. Catholic Inspiration
The psalm response today offers sound advice as we follow the Lord and serve one another.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 1st Week of the Year
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Daily Mass: The Lord offers us an example for service in the world. Catholic Inspiration
From the very beginning, the Lord’s earthly ministry included prayer, preaching, teaching, healing and driving out demons. May His example inspire us to actively seek ways we can continue this work in our lives today.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 1st Week of the Year
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Daily Mass: The teaching and authority of Jesus. Catholic Inspiration
Jesus reveals his power in Capernaum as he teaches with authority and drives out demons.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 1st Week of the Year
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Daily Mass: The call of Peter, Andrew, James and John. Catholic Inspiration
As Jesus calls the first disciples he says, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” May we respond to Christ today – knowing that as we follow the Lord we will be empowered to invite others to join us.
Mass Readings – Monday of the First Week of the Year
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2nd Sunday of the Year: Our response to God’s call.
Study: Reflect on an experience in life when you have been called to do something. Who called you? What did it feel like?
Pray: Ask the Lord for guidance to discern how to follow Jesus Christ today.
Serve: Are there people in your life who are experiencing a calling? How can you help them discover their path?
Mass Readings – 2nd Sunday of the Year
Have you ever had moments in life when you wish the answers were written in the sky with letters that were clear and easy to read? Where there is no doubt what to do; no hesitation that a certain choice is the best; no worry that something has been missed? The question surfaces frequently: How do we know the Lord’s call for our lives?
In the Scriptures today we have two examples where people are being called by God:
- The call of Samuel in the temple of the Lord
- The call of two of John the Baptist’s disciples by Jesus
While each story presents a perspective that is unique, both have some points that are worth noting:
- God takes the initiative. It is the Lord who begins the encounter, speaking Samuel’s name or asking the disciples, “What are you looking for?”
- There is a human response. Samuel calls out, “Here I am” while the disciples begin a conversation, “Where are you staying?”
- A call to action. Both Samuel and disciples do something. Samuel reaches out to Eli; the disciples stay with Jesus and one of them (Andrew) brings his brother Peter to meet the Lord.
The same three steps continue today. God keeps inviting! The Lord’s grace ceaselessly pours out upon the earth, inviting and empowering us to draw closer to God and one another. Everything we have comes from the Lord, who takes the initiative to reach out to us in love.
Our response – both in word and deed – completes this initiative. Accepting the Lord’s call we grow in wisdom and strength, developing our God-given gifts for service in the world. As we continue to say yes to the Lord’s guidance we become more and more alive, become a conduit through which Christ’s mission touches the hearts and lives of others.
So how and where does the Lord speak today? Where do we look for the call? A few starting thoughts…
- Start by reading the Scriptures! (It is the Word of God, after all.) I recommend first digging into the Gospels.
- Pray everyday. It doesn’t have to be very long, but it does have to be real and from your heart. Take a couple of minutes to count your blessings, make your petitions, and close with the Lord’s Prayer.
- Reach out to people of faith for fellowship & strength. (Remember: united we stand!)
- Go to Confession. It’s a powerful way to begin again with God’s help.
- Go to Mass weekly. (Let’s see: get a Sacrament; hear God’s Word; pray alone and with others; fellowship; with a little peace & silence…not a bad gig.)
May we say yes to the Lord’s call in our lives, responding with full and open hearts, serving one another with the strength of Jesus Christ!
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Note: This post was originally published on January 12, 2015.
The Baptism of the Lord. Catholic Inspiration
The Baptism of the Lord inspires us to claim the gift of our own baptism as we follow Christ and live the gift of life infused with faith.
Mass Readings – Baptism of the Lord
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Daily Mass: Christ must increase in our hearts. Catholic Inspiration
John the Baptist reveals a humility and depth of knowledge as he recognizes how the ministry of Jesus must grow. “He must increase; I must decrease.” May these words apply to each one of us as we welcome Christ as King of our hearts.
Mass Readings – Saturday after Epiphany
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