By David Peter, CSC –
Readings: 1 Sam 1:9-20; Mk 1:21-28
Today, we are in the first week of the Ordinary Time. The Indian Church especially in Tamil Nadu remembers and celebrates the feast of Blessed Devasahayam. A high caste Hindu embraces Christian faith and believes in Jesus. He was tortured and martyred for his Christian faith. The first reading of the day draws me to reflect on two essential parts of my Christian life: prayer and faith.
In the first reading Hannah comes across to us as a great example of faith and prayer. As true Christians we need to believe that the Lord has power over his creation and he blesses us always out of his unconditional love. We are called to reflect on our prayer life. Our prayer is a personal talk with God our Father pouring out our heart and soul. When we march towards the Lord in true prayer and faith, he never forsakes us rather we are assured heart full of peace and joy.
At different points of time we are possessed by various destructive elements in life like anger, ego, jealousy and unacceptance. Let us pour out our hearts to the Lord like the man in today’s gospel, that we may leave the evil in us and accumulate the life giving values. To actualize the readings today, let us take a few minutes like Hannah in prayer for those who long to bear a child. We pray for the childless wives to bear children, that our heavenly Father and creator may bless the womb and a child be born to them through the powerful intervention of the Holy Spirit.