Mark 1:21-28

1 Samuel 1:9-20

1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd

Mark 1:21-28

Jesus came to Capernaum with his followers, 

and on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught.

The people were astonished at his teaching,

for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes.

In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit;

he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?

Have you come to destroy us?

I know who you are–the Holy One of God!” 

Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet!  Come out of him!”

The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him.

All were amazed and asked one another,

 “What is this?

A new teaching with authority.

He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.”

His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.

Opening Prayer: Lord, today I will contemplate the unfolding of the history of salvation and the events that preceded the foundation of the Kingdom of David. Help me to see your hand in these events so that I may realize that you guide my life too and care for me as your child.

Encountering the Word of God

1. The Reversal of Fortunes: One of the overarching themes of the First and Second Books of Samuel is found in Hannah’s song. She proclaims the “reversal of fortunes” and the way God casts down the proud and exalts the humble. The Book of Samuel will tell us about the downfall of Eli the priest and the rise of Samuel the prophet. As well, we will hear about the downfall of King Saul and the rise of King David. 

2. Samuel’s Consecration: Hannah promises that if her prayer for a child is granted, then her future son will take the Nazarite vow (see Numbers 6:1-21). A person who takes the vow is dedicated to the Lord and vows not to drink wine or alcohol, vows not to cut their hair, and vows not to touch a dead body. Hannah’s son Samuel will be dedicated as a Nazarite, not just for a time, but for his entire life. Samuel’s consecration to God stands in contrast to Eli who is so unfamiliar with God that he mistakes Hannah’s prayer for drunkenness. Eli will be cast down and Samuel will be exalted.

3. Undoing the Devil’s Reign: When we look at human history, we see how it has suffered under the power of the evil one. The true reversal of fortunes happens with Jesus. The Gospel today narrates how the reign of the devil is ending and how the kingdom of God is inaugurated by Jesus. Jesus manifests divine authority by rebuking and casting out the unclean spirit. Jesus silences the unclean spirit because the proclamation of Jesus’ identity and mission as the Messiah will unfold gradually throughout Jesus’ public ministry. At his trial before the Sanhedrin, Jesus will be asked whether he is the Messiah, the Son of God. Instead of responding “Quiet!” as he does today, Jesus will answer with the divine name “I AM” (Mark 14:62).

Conversing with Christ: Lord, I trust that you guide all things and direct the course of human history. At times, it can seem that evil has the upper hand. I know that you will humble the proud and exalt the poor and humble. Help me today to be among the poor exalted to your right hand in glory.

Resolution: When was the last time we broke out in prayerful song in gratitude like Hannah for the great things that God has done in our lives? Although our lives may be marked more by suffering, trial, and failure, we have so much to be grateful for, especially the gift of existence and life. God did not need to create us or call us to eternal life. And yet, in a plan of sheer goodness, that is what he did. And when we failed, God did not abandon us but sent his Son to redeem and save us and offer us the gift of divine life. Forever, we should sing the goodness of the Lord and exult in the Lord our Savior!