1 Samuel 1:9-20
1 Samuel 2:1,4-8
Mark 1:21-28
THE LORD SEES OUR HEARTS
In today’s first reading, God answers Hannah’s prayer by giving her a son, Samuel, establishing His authority above all. He later becomes Israel’s last judge and begins the monarchical era. Today’s Gospel of Mark highlights Jesus’ authority and mission: teaching with authority and healing us from sin and evil through faith in Him.
All authority is from God; humans were created with freewill to choose good. After the fall, disobedience broke our relationship with God, who remains Supreme. People were amazed by Jesus’ actions but rejected His divine authority. Do you feel overwhelmed by pain or distress blocking God’s authority in your life? Only God can heal suffering; Jesus bore our pain and carried our sins. Following Him leads to salvation. Remember, God is love, He loves you and is bigger than your problems. Understanding His power lessens fear of life’s trials. Jesus’ miracles reveal His authority, but the real message is God’s constant presence among us. We don’t need supernatural signs to see His work—He is always with us, and recognizing His presence gives us hope.
Fr Joseph Osho
