Read 1 Samuel 1:1-8, Ps. 116:12-19. Mark 1:14-20
“And her rival used to provoke her sorely, to irritate her, because the Lord had closed her womb. So it went on year by year; as often as she went up to the house of the Lord, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat.” (1 Samuel 1:6-7)
The story of the Prophet Samuel is one of those stories in the Bible that reminds us that despite how much society has changed, the human condition remains the same. It is a story that tells us who we are, what we should be, and what we are capable of becoming if we allow God to step into our life through prayer.
Today we get to read about how about a man named Elkanah who had two wives, Peninnah and Hannah, one with children and the other barren. It was not bad enough that Hannah was without any children of her own, her rival Peninnah took it upon herself to provoke and irritate Hannah constantly.
Like Hannah, there are times we too find it difficult to succeed where others are excelling. We may have all it takes physically, mentally, or financially and even be better than them in every standard, yet we simply cannot understand why things fail to work out well for us. It is bad enough that we face difficulties but it is even worse when we become the object of laughter and ridicule. Nothing is as painful as knowing that you now have a nickname arising from your peculiar problem.
In the midst of our difficulties and pains, the easiest thing to do is always to resort to tears! But then, crying only helps to unburden the heart and clean the eyes. Crying has never solved any problem. Tears may win you human sympathy but prayer will get you Divine Assistance. Humans may fail you but God will never fail you.
In the Gospel passage, Jesus begins his public ministry officially by calling his disciples. He is able to get quick followership because he had first prepared himself by a forty-day prayer and fasting program. This is why when he said to Peter and Andrew, “follow me and I will make you fishers of men,” there was no hesitation at all. Even the sons of Zebedee left their father and the nets instantly. They were not hearing the voice of a man but the voice of God himself.
When things get really tough and it seems as if crying is the only thing to do, go on your knees in faith. Get into prayer today! Believe in prayer, tap the power of prayer and your life will never remain the same again.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, just as you began with prayer, may I begin this day and all I do with a prayer that I may succeed like you in whatever I do. I commit to you my tears, fears and cares, take them, and turn my situation around for good. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Monday of week 1 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 1 Sam. 1:1-8, Ps. 116:12-19. Mark 1:14-20).