These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
Then Eli understood that the LORD was calling the youth. So Eli said to Samuel, “Go to sleep, and if you are called, reply, ‘Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.’” When Samuel went to sleep in his place, the LORD came and revealed his presence, calling out as before, “Samuel, Samuel!” Samuel answered, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” (1 Sam 3:1-10, 19-20)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011024.cfm
The wisdom of the old priest, Eli, helped the young Samuel to hear the voice of the Lord. I love Bible stories, they have stayed with me all my life. I remember when my Sunday School teacher, Mrs Strong, first told us the story of young Samuel sleeping in the Temple. I couldn’t have been more than 5 years old. I still have the little crocheted cross that Mrs Strong gave me almost 70 years ago!
Early the next morning they worshiped before the LORD, and then returned to their home in Ramah. When Elkanah had relations with his wife Hannah, the LORD remembered her. She conceived, and at the end of her term bore a son whom she called Samuel, since she had asked the LORD for him. (I Sm 1:9-20)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010924.cfm
Today’s responsorial psalm is Hannah’s Hymn of Praise for the gift of her son, Samuel. The gospel writer, Luke, will use Hannah’s Hymn to compose Mary’s Magnificat. Today we begin Ordinary Time which takes its name from the word ordinal . . . meaning number, because the weeks of ordinary time are counted, so this is the First Week of Ordinary Time. Ordinary Time will be interrupted by Lent and Easter, but afterwards we will resume counting the weeks until Advent.
This is what John the Baptist proclaimed: “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mk 1:7-11)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010824.cfm
The Christmas Season comes to its joyful conclusion with this celebration of the Lord’s Baptism (although in some countries Christmas continues until February 2nd!). The witness of John the Baptist invites us to rejoice in the baptism that Jesus offers us, to be baptized in the fire of the Holy Spirit. Perhaps the Lord has great expectations for us, as Jesus says, “You will do greater works than these” (Jn 14:12). We’ve been partying now for quite a while, maybe it’s time to get down to work building the Kingdom! Today el Padre celebrates a birthday!
And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Mt 2:1-12)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010724.cfm
What is the gift we bring Him? Is it only our heart—or do our backbone, hands, feet, and brain go along with it? Because if we only give Him our heart . . . then He’s likely to be cold, hungry, and homeless the rest of the year.
Beloved: Who indeed is the victor over the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever possesses the Son has life. (1 Jn 5:5-13)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010624.cfm
Traditionally, today is the date of Epiphany which this year is transferred to Sunday, January 7, in those countries that do not keep Epiphany as a holy day of obligation. So with the Virgin Mary we continue to treasure all these things reflecting on them in our heart.
