Today’s Catholic Reflection
Elkanah lived in Ramathaim and had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah could not conceive. This brought Hannah much sorrow. Each year, Elkanah went to Shiloh to worship and make sacrifices to the Lord. He gave Hannah a double portion because he loved her. Despite this, Peninnah often taunted Hannah about her inability to have children, which caused Hannah great distress. Elkanah tried to comfort her and asked why she was so upset, suggesting that his love should be enough.
In the Gospel, after John the Baptist was arrested, Jesus began his ministry in Galilee. He proclaimed the coming of the Kingdom of God and urged people to repent and believe in the Gospel. While walking by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus saw Simon and Andrew fishing. He called them to follow him and become "fishers of men." They immediately left their nets and followed him. Further along the shore, Jesus called James and John, who also left their father and their work to join him.