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Word To Life
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Sunday Scripture Readings, Jan. 18, 2009
By Jean Denton
Catholic News Service
January 18, Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Cycle B Readings:
1) 1 Samuel 3:3b-10, 19
Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-10
2) 1 Corinthians 6:13c-15a, 17-20
Gospel) John 1:35-42
I haven't seen the current movie, "Yes Man," but I know from the ads what the story line is: A man with a fundamental attitude of reticence turns down every offer or invitation he ever gets. But when he realizes this has caused him to miss a wealth of opportunities and experiences in life, he decides to make a radical change: to say "yes" to every possibility.
My friend Eric is that kind of yes man, saying yes to every request, every opportunity. He's also the kind of yes man that Samuel was in this week's first reading. Eric said yes to the Lord's calling when he became a permanent deacon. Once ordained, he continued to say yes to every chance to be God's servant.
He and his wife have four children and an active family life while also maintaining a thriving dental practice. His friends and parishioners know he's admired by his patients, but we wonder just when he ever sees them. Because it seems that he's always visiting a nursing home or hospital, teaching a class, working on multiple marriage cases for the diocesan tribunal, or studying Scripture and the lives of the saints, or officiating at a funeral or counseling confirmation candidates. He never turns down an opportunity to serve.
I've heard other friends say that Eric sleeps only two or three hours a night, getting up at 4 a.m. to pray. That may be an exaggeration to describe his seemingly bottomless well of enthusiasm, but it is so Samuel-like that Eric would rise in the dark to hear his Lord speak to him -- and to listen. Knowing that, one realizes the source of his energy and commitment to constantly minister to God's people.
As a result, Eric is a model servant to his community. His positive yes-man, speak-Lord-your-servant-is-listening attitude holds sway as he ministers with vigor and strength. Consequently, like Samuel, the words he speaks are never "without effect" among those he serves.
When we hear God's voice, Eli tells us, we are to respond with openness and willingness to serve him. Such self-offering will allow God to work through us -- and promises transformation.
QUESTIONS:
When was a recent occasion that you said yes to a specific opportunity to serve God? How did your openness to hear him speak through your action?
SCRIPTURE TO BE ILLUSTRATED:
"The Lord called to Samuel, who answered, 'Here I am'" (1 Samuel 3:4).
END
Copyright © 2009 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS Word To Life column may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service.
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