Second Sunday of the Year: B: January 14, 2024

                         THE CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP

First Reading: 1 Samuel 3: 3-10 and 19

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 6: 13-15 and 17-20

Gospel Reading: John 1: 35-42

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Samuel. An account of the call of young Samuel by the Lord God is given. Samuel responds to the call of the Lord God whole-heartedly and unconditionally. He totally submits to the Lord God. He says, "Speak, for thy servant hears". It is through the Prophet Samuel that the Lord God guided the chosen people to become a great nation. The call of Samuel is an example of the mysterious and hidden ways in which the Lord God acts. By listening and obeying the Lord God, Samuel became the liberator of the people of God. 

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul writes this letter to Christians in Corinth, a port city where people were living in sexual immorality. Paul instructs them and us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and hence, we must not indulge in sinful ways but use our bodies for the glory of God. Because of our call to be holy, we have to live up to the image of God and be a source of blessings to our brothers and sisters. 

The call of the first disciples                                                                      Today's Gospel reading is from St. John. John narrates the call of the first disciples of Jesus. Andrew and his brother Peter have their first encounter with Jesus near the sea of Galilee. It is not a mere casual meeting but rather a meeting of hearts. Sometimes when people meet it can be a mere formality. But in an encounter, people open their hearts to one another and share their innermost ideas and concerns. This encounter between Jesus and His first disciples changes their lives. For the next three years they would really know who Jesus is and they would experience His constant companionship. Jesus invites His first disciple with the words, "Come and see". He is inviting us too in the same way. If we accept His invitation, He will reveal His real self to us and the mysteries of the Kingdom of God. Most of us can recall from past some encounters with another person/persons that had a lasting influence or changed our lives or made a firm impression in our lives. The question is: "Are we prepared to accept the invitation of the Lord Jesus?"

"Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

"Discipleship is crucial to our ultimate destiny, but its cost is total commitment." - David Jeremiah