On this first day following the Advent days of Hope and assurance, the Christmas season of wonderment and new birth, the manifestation of the Light that shown for the whole world to see, we meet Hannah, a woman who is barren, heartbroken and carrying a sorrow she could hardly speak aloud. But standing beside her is Elkanah, her husband, who sees her pain and refuses to let her suffer alone. He doesn’t dismiss her grief. He stands by her and offers something that could appear to be inconsequential but isn’t. He offered her a listening heart, compassion and his presence.
“Why do you weep? Am I not more to you than ten sons? His words may have fallen short, but no human comfort ever fully fills the deepest ache, but it can reveal a heart that wants to lift the burden from someone who is loved.
God Draws Near to Us
Elkanah is a living reminder that God often consoles us through the tenderness of others. Elkanah’s compassion mirrors the heart of God who draws near to the brokenhearted and walks with us through this valley of tears,.
Perhaps there are some here today who carry their own quiet sorrows; a miscarriage, family tensions, hopes delayed, unanswered prayers, disappointment with choices made by loved ones, spouses or children. What we learn from Elkanah today is that love may not be able to resolve our problems. Sometimes it is simply about showing up with warmth, concern and support.
The Scripture readings on this first day of Ordinary Time draw us into two moments of grace, one in a family home, the other along the seashore. In the gospel, Jesus begins His ministry with a simple call: “Come after me.” He doesn’t make any promises or offer any specific plans but his person, his voice awakens a response.
What moved those fishermen to drop their nets and to heed his invitation to follow after him? Perhaps it was his voice that conveyed authority or the hope they saw in his eyes. Maybe it was just the longing those fishermen felt for something more in life than just casting and mending nets. Whatever it was, there was something about the man that allowed them to believe that Jesus valued them and that they could become more than what they could ever imagine. To think that our yes could do the same for us.
Called by Christ
Today on this fourth day of our Novena for the Intercession of Venerable Father Patrick Peyton, we remember a man who heard Christ’s call and followed with the same wholehearted courage as did those first disciples.
Born into poverty, strengthened by family prayers and healed through Mary’s intercession Father Peyton devoted his entire priesthood to one mission: to strengthen families through prayer especially the rosary.
Like Hannah’s husband Elkanah, Father Peyton understood the struggles families face. Like the first disciples he left everything to follow Christ believing that the grace of God shines in the lives of ordinary men and women. And like Mary he trusted that God could do great things through simple, faithful hearts.
- Father Leo's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
- To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Consider inviting others to join too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, simply select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)
