In today’s first reading, we witness the deep worship and love Elkanah has for the Lord, our God. He consistently offered sacrifices every year. Additionally, he deeply loved his wife, Hannah. His comforting words to her, “Am I not more to you than ten sons?” show that he did not blame Hannah.
In today’s Gospel, we observe the disciples’ obedience to the Lord’s call. He had grand plans for them to become fishers of men to lead everyone to Him. This prompts us to consider if we are responding to Christ Jesus, our Lord’s call. As we also are called to be fishers of men, to evangelize and bring others into the knowledge and love of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Here I am, Lord. I’ve come to follow You. Amen.
________
First reading
1 Samuel 1:1-8
Hannah’s rival taunts her for being barren
There was a man of Ramathaim, a Zuphite from the highlands of Ephraim whose name was Elkanah son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. He had two wives, one called Hannah, the other Peninnah; Peninnah had children but Hannah had none. Every year this man used to go up from his town to worship and to sacrifice to the Lord of Hosts in Shiloh. The two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there as priests of the Lord.
One day Elkanah offered sacrifice. He used to give portions to Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters; to Hannah, however, he would give only one portion, although he loved her more, since the Lord had made her barren. Her rival would taunt her to annoy her, because the Lord had made her barren. And this went on year after year; every time they went up to the temple of the Lord she used to taunt her. And so Hannah wept and would not eat. Then Elkanah her husband said to her, ‘Hannah, why are you crying and why are you not eating? Why so sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?’
________
Gospel
Mark 1:14-20
I will make you into fishers of men
After John had been arrested, Jesus went into Galilee. There he proclaimed the Good News from God. ‘The time has come’ he said ‘and the kingdom of God is close at hand. Repent, and believe the Good News.’
As he was walking along by the Sea of Galilee he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net in the lake – for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you into fishers of men.’ And at once they left their nets and followed him.
Going on a little further, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John; they too were in their boat, mending their nets. He called them at once and, leaving their father Zebedee in the boat with the men he employed, they went after him.
CatholicJules.net 