2nd Sunday in Ordinary time
Readings:
1 Samuel 3:3-10,19
1 Corinthians 6:13-15,17-20
John 1:35-42
Reflection:
How you see God every day will have a great impact on our life. If you have the right image of God, knowing that He gladly welcomes us, that His face lights up when He sees us, that He loves spending time with us, hearing our concerns, and knowing what you’re dreaming about, you’ll go fearlessly to Him. All through the day, you’ll talk with Him as a son or daughter. In the first reading, Prophet Eli helps Samuel in a conversation with God. In the second reading, we are informed by St. Paul, that our bodies are not for fornication but for the Lord. In the Gospel, John clears the minds and thoughts of his followers by showing the right Master.
Our thoughts about God are often distorted or mistaken because we lack genuine Prophets like Eli, a wonderful and trustworthy leader like St. Paul, and a true model like John the Baptist. So many of us see Him as a harsh and condemning judge who holds our mistakes against us and expects us to be perfect. Too often we have the wrong image of God and shrink back in fear and intimidation, feeling that we can never measure up and will always be unworthy.
Let’s start our new year knowing that God is not basing His “glad welcome” on your perfections or abilities. It’s based on your faith in Christ and the fact that you’re His child. Believe it and receive it. It’s in our imperfections and human weakness that he makes us strong and faithful disciples of his kingdom. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Cor 12:9,10
Sony Marsilin Kannanaikal CP is a Passionist priest, he lives at St.Joseph’s Community, Hobart.