Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Wednesday of the first week in ordinary time, January 14th, 2026

Delivered by Melinda from the Parish of Saint Marinus Yohanes in the Diocese of Surabaya, Indonesia. 1 Samuel 3: 1-10.19-20; Rs psalm 40: 2.5.7-8a.8b-9.10; Mark 1: 29-39.FOR MY SAKE, GODCOMES TO THE WORLD The title for ourmeditation today is: For My Sake, God Comes to the World. The Lord Jesusexplicitly stated the reason why He came into the world, as the Gospel readingtoday says. The fact and situation of life in this world is the main reason.Each of us is part of this fact of life and we certainly have appropriatereason to exclaim: for my sake, the Lord Jesus comes into the world. By affirmingourselves in this manner, we are confident with conviction that God reallyloves every one of us. Every person is so special and important that God iswilling to come down from His place in heaven to be part of every one's life. “Whoam I, Lord, that you care for me”, the psalmist usually prays (Ps. 8, 5). Thecall to Samuel in the first book of Samuel strongly confirms that his beingchosen for a mission is the Lord's very special concern. The calling to every oneis the best gift from God. The realization of this calling also counts theparticipation of every one's fellow neighbors, especially those who help him orher in undertaking a particular job or duty. We understand this as a specialgift. The benefits and successes in vocation are often understood as anextraordinary form of God's love. People often acclaim: "This is truly ablessing from God" or "This is proper and worth achievement" or"God is on our side". All of these are enough to express our beliefthat the Lord is so good to us. How we feel someaningful and blessed that He comes and He is with us is when our lifesituation is in problem or crisis. We truly believe on Jesus’ famous expressionthat only for our sake He really comes, and this becomes our real experience ofenlightenment and salvation. Those who are sick, in need, in difficulty, andsad find consolation and way of freedom. Perhaps the apostles who wereaccompanying him were curious and asked, "Are you not tired, not weary,and run out of resources by serving like this, huh?" Jesus answered firmlyand decisively: "That's the reason why I came." An answer like thisis a key to the truth in any moment of conversation. People immediatelyunderstand and do not anymore ask further questions. What are your keyanswers, for example when your are asked about your vocation, familycommitment, self-development, education, service, promise and so on? If thereis a key answer and that is the reason why you are happy, persevering andconfident in God's will for you, you will live in joy and peace. People aroundyou admire and see at you as an example. Today, strengthen and encourageyourself by repeating this: Because for this reason I am here and now.Let's pray. In the name of the Father... Lord Jesus Christ, make us able to maintain the basic reasons for our lifein the world and always give thanks to God in joy. Glory to the Father and tothe Son and to the Holy Spirit ... In the name of the Father ...