Let us be witnesses to the truth

1 Sam. 1:1-8, Mk 1:14-20. After the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord, we begin the Ordinary Time of the Year. In this period between the seasons of Christmas and Lent, the Church invites us to have a healthy respect for the family as the nurturing place of faith. The call of Samuel to be a prophet began with his devout parents as shown in today's first reading. In due time we are called to go beyond the known and familiar and take on our personal vocation. At the end of the era of Judges of Israel and before the coming of the era of the kings of Israel. Elkanah and Hannah went to the house of the Lord and Hannah was sad because she had not been able to bear her husband any child, while the other wife of Elkanah bore him many children. God had great plans for Hannah, as through her, a great prophet would be born, Samuel.

In today's Gospel, God also called several men to follow Him, those fishermen from obscure origins, illiterate and insignificant, yet God gave them His power and strength. He sent them the Holy Spirit and gave them His Wisdom that they became fearless and courageous witnesses of the truth of God. As we begin this Ordinary Time of the year, a time for action and work of our faith, let us be witnesses of truth in our society and bear witness for our faith among the peoples. Let us listen to the call of God and be steadfast in our resolve to do the the will of God.

May the Lord continue to guide and strengthen us so that we may have the necessary strength and courage to carry on living our lives with faith despite the challenges and trials we may have to face along the way! Good morning and have a productive week!!!