First Reading - 1 Samuel 3:1-10,19-20
Gospel - Mark 1:29-39
The First Reading from 1 Samuel describes a moment of quiet transition. The word of the Lord was rare, and visions were infrequent. This is not only a description of Samuel’s time; it often describes our own. God is speaking, yet it feels silent. Samuel hears a call but does not recognize the voice at first. He needs guidance to understand that God is already reaching out to him. When he finally responds, speak, Lord, for your servant is listening, everything changes. From that moment on, Samuel’s life is shaped by attentiveness. God’s word proves faithful, and Samuel grows in wisdom and trust.
This story reassures us that not recognizing God’s voice immediately does not mean failure. Learning to listen is part of faith. God is patient and persistent, calling again and again until we are ready to hear.
The Gospel from Mark shows what a life fully attentive to God looks like in action. Jesus moves seamlessly between prayer and service. He heals Simon’s mother-in-law, lifting her up so that she can live fully again. He spends long hours caring for the sick and troubled who gather at the door. Yet even in the midst of success and need, Jesus withdraws to a deserted place to pray. His strength does not come from popularity or productivity, but from communion with the Father.
When the disciples search for him and urge him to stay where he is needed, Jesus listens to a deeper call. He chooses to move on, to preach in other places, because this is why he has come. His listening shapes his mission. Prayer gives clarity. Silence gives direction.
Dear friends, God’s voice is not usually loud or forceful. It is recognized by those who make space to listen. At the same time, listening to God does not remove us from the world. It sends us back into it with purpose and compassion.
This speaks directly to modern life, where many feel constantly busy yet spiritually disconnected. We rush from task to task, responding to every demand, but rarely pause to ask what God is calling us to do. Today’s word reminds us that faithful living begins not with doing more, but with listening more deeply.
The invitation today is simple and transformative. Create space for silence. Be patient with yourself when God’s voice is not immediately clear. Begin each day, like Samuel, with a heart ready to listen. And follow the example of Jesus, who balanced care for others with time alone with God.
When we learn to listen, ordinary moments become holy. Decisions become clearer. Service becomes life-giving rather than draining. And God’s word, once rare to our ears, becomes a steady guide shaping our lives with quiet but enduring power.
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