WEDNESDAY, FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
1 Sam 3: 1-10. 19-20 Ps 40: 2,5,7-10 Mk 1: 29-39
CALLED TO BE INSTRUMENTS OF RECONCILIATION
“God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation” (1 Corinthians 5:19). These words reveal both our human need and God’s generous response. Humanity has always longed for healing, restoration, and renewed relationship with God. Seeing our weakness, God Himself chose to act. He sent His Son Jesus into the world, not only to preach, but to reconcile, to lift us out of brokenness, and to draw us back into communion with Him. And through the Holy Spirit, He continues this mission in us today, entrusting to each of us the ministry of reconciliation.
In the Gospel, Jesus enters the home of Simon Peter and heals his mother-in-law. Soon after, the whole town gathers with their sick, burdened, and oppressed. Jesus heals them, frees them from demonic bondage, and restores their dignity. Every act of healing is a sign of what God desires for all humanity: a return to wholeness, a reconnection with divine life. Yet Jesus performs His ministry from a place of deep prayer. Early in the morning, He withdraws to commune with the Father. From this communion flows purpose and clarity, so that He can say, “Let us go on to the next towns… for that is why I came.” If we are to continue His mission, we too must first anchor our hearts in prayer, and then step out as bearers of reconciliation.
The first reading, the story of Eli and the young Samuel, mirrors this path. God calls repeatedly, yet Samuel does not recognise His voice. Like Samuel, we often run toward noise, activity, and our own ideas. But God’s voice is heard in stillness. When Samuel finally responds, “Speak, Lord, for your servant listens,” his life is opened to God’s purpose. Both readings remind us: reconciliation begins with listening. When we quiet our hearts, allow God to speak, and open ourselves to His healing grace, we not only receive reconciliation, but we become its instruments for others.
Response: See, I have come, Lord, to do your will.
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