Sunday, January 18. 2015
Second Sunday of Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 65 (NAB Translation) (Jerusalem Translation)
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We’re back in Ordinary time after several weeks of preparation and celebration. This week there is a clear and obvious message that we get from the readings – hearing the call from God.
Reading 1
1 Samuel 3:3B-10, 19
This first reading from the prophet Samuel is set from the perspective of the Hebrew priest Eli when Samuel was still very young. This is a different time period than where we have been for most of the last year. We’re back in the time after the Exodus and before David. At this time, Samuel is an apprentice to the priest Eli and we hear the story of how he dramatically gets called by God. An interesting fact is that we never hear how the Lord calls out to Samuel in the translation you will hear at mass, it is just stated that He called out to him.
Each time Samuel hears the call of the Lord, it’s startles him, and it also leaves him scared and unsure of how to react. Even the senior and experienced priest is caught off guard with such an intense and personal encounter with God, but Eli gives the perfect advice so that Samuel readily and willingly responds that he is listening. In our own lives, how often do we hear the call of God and ignore it?
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10
- (8a and 9a) Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.
Reading 2
1 Corinthians 6:13C-15A, 17-20
This week’s second reading from St Paul’s letter to the Church in Corinth points us to virtue and purity. There is a subtle shift in focus for this reading, and we hear about the effects of morality on our community and not just ourselves. The Lord is calling us in a very specific and directed manner to live chastely and respect those around us. There is no question here, St Paul comes out and gives the call of the Lord, “Avoid immorality.”
Alleluia John 1:41, 17B
- Alleluia, alleluia.
We have found the Messiah:
Jesus Christ, who brings us truth and grace.
Gospel
John 1:35-42
This week’s Gospel from St. John begins with the familiar character of John the Baptist that we have seen featured the past several weeks in the Sunday readings. When the followers of John hear how he speaks of Jesus, they don’t hesitate to follow Him. Andrew, the future Apostle, is one of the followers that recognizes that Jesus is different and probably the Messiah. He recognizes how important this is, and quickly gets his brother Simon. His testimony is authentic and believing enough to convince his brother to join him in following Jesus.
This is a vivid example of how we should react to an encounter with Christ. Andrew is so deeply moved that he can’t keep it to himself, and brings others to Jesus.
Reflection question from Bishop Vásquez
Gospel Meditation
- In today’s Gospel, Andrew led his brother Peter to Jesus. Who are the people in your life who led you to Christ? Thank God for these people.
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