January 14, 2026 // Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: 1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19-20
Reflect on the Word //
I called my son to come downstairs. We are in a new era of the pre-adolescent phase of parenting. I remember a time not too long ago when I would call his name and he would come down quickly. Recently, whenever I call his name to help watch the toddler, take his clean folded laundry upstairs, or remind him that it's trash day I am met with grumbling and multiple delays unless the aroma of freshly baked brownies fills the air and reaches his room.
In today’s First Reading Samuel runs to Eli and says, “Here I am. You called me” (1 Samuel 3:8). Oh how I would love to hear my children say that! I’m tickled with delight just imagining it. The reality is that my kids would probably enjoy me verbalizing this too: “Here I am. It is me! Your mother!” Instead there are days I get overwhelmed at the volume and sheer number of times I have heard the word “mom” throughout the day.
I come to Jesus in a pre-adolescent mood at times too. I delay in responding to His voice. I delay in being confident in what He is calling me to do. In my own brokenness I often need an incentive to be obedient in prayer (brownies would be nice). In his wisdom Eli instructs Samuel to answer God, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:9). I would like to think that I am coming ready to serve the Lord in prayer, but the demands of life turn me toward wanting merely to be served.
Samuel’s obedience reveals to us that strengthening our relationship with God begins with listening. It may seem too simple, but prayer is always drawing us back to listen to the voice of God whether it's through Scripture, a book on the life of a Saint, or a song that lifts our hearts to the truth of Who God is. The Lord wants us to come to Him with hearts open to His voice, wills ready to assent to His, and ready to receive the grace and inspiration He offers us.
Relate to the Lord // As we continue to settle into the new year can we pray in humility, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening,” and mean it with the same eagerness Samuel did?
