Today’s Catholic Reflection
In 1 Samuel, we see young Samuel serving in the temple under Eli. This is a time when divine revelations are rare. One night, while Samuel sleeps, the Lord calls him three times. Samuel thinks Eli is calling him. Eli realizes that it is God speaking and tells Samuel how to respond. When the Lord calls again, Samuel answers, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” As Samuel matures, he becomes a true prophet, and his words resonate throughout Israel.
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus begins his ministry with healing miracles. He starts with Simon Peter's mother-in-law, curing her of a fever. Soon, the townspeople bring their sick and possessed to him, and he heals them. He instructs the demons to keep silent about his identity. After a night filled with healing, Jesus seeks a quiet place to pray. His disciples find him and say that many people are looking for him. Jesus then shares his purpose to preach in other villages, continuing his important work throughout Galilee.