In today’s Gospel, we see how Jesus manifested His Sonship in God through teaching, exorcism and healing. In the midst of such activities, Jesus forbade His disciples to disclose His identity. This emphasis by Mark on the " Messianic Secret” shows that Jesus was not a political messiah with power nor a miracle worker but one accompanied by suffering and death.

In Mk. 1: 38-39, Jesus was certain of his goal in proclaiming the Kingdom of God as His obedience to his Father's will. This is why He needed to withdraw from others to be in silence and prayer. This is action and contemplation. We are also called to set aside time for silence and prayer. It is in Prayer that we discern God's will. Prayer also moves us into action/service which is an essence of Christian discipleship.

"Speak, Lord, your servant is listening." Guided by Eli, Samuel responded to God’s call. (1st reading) Since then Samuel grew in the Lord’s presence and became a prophet of the Lord.

Let this be our response to the daily challenges in life and be ready to say " Here I am Lord, I come to do Your will." (today’s response to the Psalm).