Breaking the Word

1^st Week in Ord. Time, Wednesday – 10^th January 2024 – 1 Sam 3,1-10.19-20; Mark 1,29-39

Need to Attune 

In the first reading, we hear about God’s calling of Samuel as a prophet. As a young boy, Samuel was serving the priest Eli in the sanctuary at Shiloh. Although he was living in the temple of the Lord and ministering to the Lord, yet Samuel was not attuned fully to God. It was only after the fourth call that Samuel was able to answer, “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.”  He was doing religious things, yet he had not developed a deep relationship with the Lord. It was only with the guidance of Eli that Samuel realized that God was speaking to him. Now the Lord reveals his presence, but what the Lord said to him at that time is not recorded. It was not a dream because the voice awakened Samuel. Nor was it a vision, since Samuel heard but did not see Yahweh. However, from the very first revelation, Samuel is consecrated a prophet. The Lord was with Samuel from then on and he was a true and reliable prophet who faithfully transmitted the word of the Lord.

Baptism of the Lord, Monday – 8^th January 2024 —  Mk 1,7-11

Tearing of Obstacles

Today we continue the great celebration of the ‘third epiphany’ of the Lord in Jesus Christ. Jesus is now an adult, probably about 30 years of age. All the four Gospels narrate Jesus’ baptism in the River Jordan by John the Baptist. The most unique aspect of Mark’s account is how he says that the heavens were torn open when Jesus rose up from the waters. Mark will use the same verb “to rip or tear open” at Jesus’ crucifixion when the veil of the Temple was torn open from top to bottom. Jesus’ death on the Cross opens the way to paradise for humanity. Seen together, these two tearing events symbolize that the obstacle separating humanity from God has been removed.

Jesus’ baptism in Jordan was a powerful anticipation of His death and resurrection. He was plunged into the water by John and this symbolized his death and burial. When he emerges from the water and rises up out of it, it symbolizes His resurrection on the third day. At Jesus’ baptism, the Holy Spirit descends like a dove upon Him. At His crucifixion, the Holy Spirit, symbolized by the water, is poured out from His side upon humanity. In both instances, God miraculously tore apart the barrier between heaven and earth through his Son, Jesus Christ, a channel of grace for humanity to have access to His heavenly glory.