January 17, 2021 - The 2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

“To do your will, O my God, is my delight."

Psalm 40:9

Readings

1 Samuel 3:3b-10, 19

1 Corinthians 6:13c-15a, 17-20

John 1:35-42

Reflection

by Sister Joseph Fennimore, OSB

Every divine invitation and vocation call is a mystery and a marvel. It is a mystery in that it comes from God who chooses one for a particular vocation in life whether it is known where it will lead or not. It is a marvel in that one finds that the gifts and skills come in order to respond and develop in that particular calling.

Two of the readings for the Second Sunday of Ordinary Time have clear and strong invitations and vocation calls. The first reading from the First Book of Samuel tells of the call of young Samuel. He is called to be a prophet for the Israelites. With the help of the sanctuary priest he learns that God is calling him. He responds, “Speak for your servant is listening.” In the Gospel reading Andrew responds to Jesus’ invitation to, “Come and see.” Andrew goes, sees and believes. He takes a step further and takes Peter to see Christ.

It might be good to take time this week to ponder the invitations and vocation callings from Christ, whether it be to married life, religious life, or single life. These are God’s gifts. Have I looked at them as divine gifts? Did I have help discerning these invitations and gifts? Have I helped others consider their callings? As the divine invitations and callings are lived out the graces and helps to grow and develop come. Challenges, difficulties, and trials are faced and dealt with. Slowly there is transformation into images of Jesus Christ. This is the marvel.

The call goes on. The Holy Spirit works in us daily. This is the mystery. Let us be grateful and be open to the movement of the Holy Spirit within and around us.

From the Rule of St. Benedict

“Let us open our eyes to the light that comes from God, and our ears to the voice from heaven that every day calls out this charge: ‘If you hear his voice today, do not harden your hearts.’" Prologue, vs. 9-10

Gospel Acclamation

“Here I am Lord; I come to do your will.” Psalm 40