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Reflection for Sunday 01/15/12

Readings for Today:
1st Reading: 1 Samuel 3:3b –10, 19
2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians 6:13c –15a, 17– 20
Gospel: John 1:35-42

Readings for Next Week:
1st Reading: Jonah 3:1– 5, 10
2nd Reading: Corinthians 7:29 – 31
Gospel: Mark 1:14 – 20

SCRIPTURE REFLECTION
We found __________! Fill in the blank: sunken treasure, a Picasso in the attic, a UFO, a gold mine. Even if Andrew had said as much to Peter, he would not have elicited any more excitement than he did by finishing the sentence with “the Messiah.” But the same words spoken to another might elicit little more than disbelief. Try announcing your find of sunken treasure or the Picasso in the attic and you might be answered, “Yeah, right.” Only a seeker, someone longing, can be stopped in his tracks and caught up in a dream that’s too good to be true. It didn’t take Eli and Samuel long to realize it was the Lord calling. Eli could say, “Your servant is listening” because he had been practicing listening to the Lord during all his days in the Temple with Eli. Much of life is rehearsal. We don’t know it at the time, we just do what we do. We make choices and follow patterns, and one day something really big happens and we’re ready. Whether it’s an emergency or an opportunity, we’re ready, we understand, we know what to do, and we do it while others panic or let the chance slip by. Andrew and Peter were ready for the coming of the Messiah. They had been rehearsing all their lives as they caught fish, mended nets, and went home for supper. Their hearts were ready for the miracle, and so they went to see.

“They said to him, ‘Rabbi . . . where are you staying?’ He said to them, ‘Come, and you will see’ ” (John 1:38 – 39).

SHARING FAITH
In today’s readings, Eli, John the Baptist, and the Apostle Andrew each help others recognize and respond to God’s call. Are you struggling with anything God is calling you to do? Is there someone who might help you discern and answer God’s call?

LIVING THE LITURGY
We can all help others find their destiny the way Andrew introduced Peter to his. As you go through the coming week, look for someone you can encourage to pursue a dream, project, trip, or adventure that you think would impact their future.

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