Reading 1 (1 Samuel 3:3b-10, 19)
Reflection
Samuel was a young boy who grew up in the Temple. His
teacher was Eli. God loved Samuel very much. In this story, God calls to Samuel
in his sleep. Because Samuel is not used to hearing God’s voice, he runs to
Eli, thinking his teacher has called him. When this happens a third time, Eli
tells Samuel to answer God by saying, "Speak, for your servant is
listening." For the rest of his life Samuel listened to God. He became a
great prophet among his people. God speaks to us in many ways, especially in
the sacraments and through God’s word in the Bible. Sometimes God speaks to us
in the beauty of nature. Often he speaks to us in the events of our lives. Most
of all, God comes to us in the love and in the needs of other people.
Discussion Questions
Reading 2 (1 Corinthians 6:13c-15a, 17-20)
Reflection
The Greek city of Corinth was a bustling seaport that
was notorious in ancient times for immorality. The new Christian community there
found itself surrounded on all sides by examples of all kinds of sin of body
and mind. Paul reminds his readers that our bodies are temples of the Holy
Spirit, who dwells in us.
There are temptations in our world, just as there were in Corinth. But when we respect our bodies and use them as God teaches us, we are fully alive and free from vices that can make us slaves. Drugs, drunkenness, sexual sins—these have no place in the lives of children of God.
There are temptations in our world, just as there were in Corinth. But when we respect our bodies and use them as God teaches us, we are fully alive and free from vices that can make us slaves. Drugs, drunkenness, sexual sins—these have no place in the lives of children of God.
Discussion Questions
How do you care for your body? How can you respect
your body as a temple of the Holy Spirit?
Gospel (John 1:35-42)
Reflection
The reading tells us about the call of the first
disciples. Followers of John the Baptist responded to the gentle invitation of
Jesus; they came and stayed the whole day with him. Then these disciples called
their friends to join them. One of them was Simon. Jesus told him that he would
be called Peter, or Cephas, a Greek word for “rock.” One day the Church would
be built on the rocklike faith of Peter.
Discussion Questions
When Jesus enters our lives with the gentle call of
his grace, how will we reply? Will we be busy with other things, afraid he will
ask too much of us? Or will we trust him? Will we be open to his call and a new
beginning in our lives?
Question of the Week
Jesus asked “What are you looking for?” How would you answer?
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