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These reflections draw connections between the Catholic lectionary’s weekday Mass readings.

They may be used for private prayer, but their main purpose is to help priest celebrants thematically relate their readings, preaching, and petitions at Mass.

Meditations for each week of Ordinary Time will be published here on Sunday mornings (through at least the 9th week of Ordinary Time.)

Monday, 1^st Week in Ordinary Time—Year II

Readings:  1st Samuel 1:1-8, Psalm 116, Mark 1:14-20

• The Lord gave Hannah & the Apostles double portions of suffering & glory because he loved them.
• Though we may lack like Hannah, we can always “offer a sacrifice of praise.”
• Despite their differing backgrounds, Eli & Zebedee both had two sons called to priesthood.

Petitions:  Vocations, Families, Couples Desiring Children

Tuesday, 1^st Week in Ordinary Time—Year II

Readings:  1st Samuel 1:9-20, 1st Samuel 2, Mark 1:21-28

• Eli misjudges Hannah and the demon misjudges Jesus.
• Eli & Pentecost’s scoffers derided Hannah & the Apostles as drunk. (Acts 2:13)
• Eli’s word gave Hannah peace, Jesus’ word gave the possessed man freedom.

Petitions:  Priests, The Addicted, Discernment

Wednesday, 1^st Week in Ordinary Time—Year II

Readings:  1st Samuel 3:1-10, 19-20; Psalm 40, Mark 1:29-39

• Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening,” and the psalmist, “Behold I come.”
• Samuel & (even) Jesus were called to make time for prayer.
• Like Samuel & the Galileans, “everyone is looking for [the Lord],” whether they realize or not.

Petitions:  Prayer Life, Spiritual Seekers, The Sick or Afflicted

Thursday, 1^st Week in Ordinary Time—Year II

Readings:  1st Samuel 4:1-11, Psalm 44, Mark 1:40-45

• The Pharisees & the Leper praise the Lord without obeying him.
• The Pharisees & the Leper frustrated the good, but the Lord prevailed in the end.
• Psalm 44 is a prayer inspired by God for setbacks in battle, ministry, & life.

Petitions:  Holy Obedience, Armed Forces, The Discouraged

Friday, 1^st Week in Ordinary Time—Year II

Readings:  1st Samuel 8:4-7, 10-22a; Psalm 89, Mark 2:1-12

• The Davidic kings subjugated, the King of Kings sets free.
• Saul & David’s procession bearers are forgotten, the paralytic’s are remembered.
• The OT elders & NT scribes grumbled, denying the Lord’s power & authority.

Petitions:  Spiritual Friendship, Political Rulers, The Poor & Weak

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