1 Samuel 3.3b-10,19・Ps. 40.2+4ab, 6, 10・1 Corinthians 6.13c-15a,17-20・ John 1.35-42
Following our church life through our liturgical calendar, today we are entering to the first part of the second week in ordinary time. We realize that the ordinary time after Christmas season is the shorter period of ordinary time. A longer period of the ordinary time, which we can consider as ordinary time part two, takes place between Easter and Advent. Indeed we were never bored during the past Advent season and Christmas season. Advent and Christmas have maintained our momentum to sufficiently understand the meaning of Christ`s birth, and worthily just and simply celebrate with our respective family at home and friends in the Church. Welcoming the New Year too had never suggested the past days too ordinary to many.
Coining the word “ordinary” may give us the understanding that the ordinary time in the church calendar is of no special quality, not interesting, nothing special, and may be boring for some. However, I believe personally that there is always good news in the most ordinary time of our lives… many extraordinary things happen in the most ordinary time of our lives. In the context of our faith most especially, while we find the surroundings so quiet, when it seems people around do not find any reason to gather and celebrate, it is actually the best time we usually recognize God`s presence, we hear His voice, we find ourselves truly conversing with Him, and we eventually discover how we have been responding to His call.
Today`s readings present us a special theme on vocation. Everyone is called to be always connected with Him and offer a truly listening ear and with open heart to do something good for others. Thus, we are called to the mastery of ourselves too, acknowledging unique gifts we already have received from Him…unique gifts that are meant to be shared.
Blessed are those who find themselves in quiet listening to God speaking to them, Blessed are those who are able to always recognize the voice of God and are able to spontaneously respond to His Calling.