2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time [B]


2ND SUNDAY OF ORDINARY TIME [B]


It’s called the First Book of Samuel, and therefore the narrative centers primarily around the person of Samuel. And yet, we should be careful not to overlook the role that Eli plays in this particular selection from 1st Samuel (3:1-18). The hand of the Lord is at work, but Samuel has not been able to put two and two together. Eli is the one who finally helps with the process of connecting the dots. Something similar takes place in our Gospel reading (John 1:29-34). The plan of salvation is beginning to advance dramatically. However, it seems that history is repeating itself: the Israelites are struggling to put two and two together. John the Baptist steps onto the scene, essentially helping them to connect the dots. 


We need people like Eli, the priest of Shiloh. We need people like John the Baptist. Furthermore, we need people like St. Paul. With Eli and with John the Baptist, it’s all about what God is doing. With Paul, it’s more about what God has done. According to Paul, God has blessed you with the Holy Spirit. By extension, your body needs to be understood as a temple; it’s the temple of the Holy Spirit (1st Cor. 6:19). This represents another instance where the dots are subsequently being connected. 


So you will want to form a circle around yourself—a solid circle made up of solid individuals. A failure to do so will leave you perplexed, much like the young man Samuel. He’s perceiving a puzzle when he should be perceiving the hand of God at work. Or perhaps you’ll end up like Pinocchio. Go back and rewatch the 1940 film, produced by Walt Disney. Then pay close attention to the character named Jiminy Cricket. Note how he helps Pinocchio to connect the dots. The story follows a number of twists and turns. But finally we are presented with a happy ending. 


 Basically, we attribute the happy ending to the influence of Jiminy Cricket. When you form your circle, look for somebody like Jiminy Cricket. Look for somebody like Eli. Look for somebody like John the Baptist. Look for somebody like St. Paul. Along with forming your circle, you will also want to nurture that circle. It needs to be formed and it needs to be appreciated. Jiminy Cricket walks away on at least two different occasions. It has to do with the fact that he’s feeling under-appreciated. 


Thankfully, he recommits himself to the task of providing a positive influence. Otherwise the story would have turned into a tragedy. If Pinocchio had to face those episodes all by himself, the result would have been a complete disaster. In the same way, if you allow your circle to dissolve, then your story will take a decisive turn, and it will be a turn for the worse. That’s why you will want to form your circle, nurture it, and be open to the prospect of serving in SOMEBODY ELSE’S  circle. The day may come when it’s you helping your neighbor to connect the dots. Samuel’s journey will head in this general direction. He’s benefitting this weekend; if you keep on reading, you’ll see that he’s not opposed to the idea of paying it forward. 

 

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