Scripture Study for
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
1 Samuel 3:3b–10, 19 / Psalm 40:8a, 9a / 1 Corinthians 6:13c–15a, 17–20 / John 1:35–42
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Understanding the Word
By Dianne Bergant, C.S.A.
The vivid and dynamic account of the call of Samuel is both a call narrative and a theophany or manifestation of God. There is a clear difference between Samuel’s relationship with God before this experience and his relationship after it. Though pious, the young Samuel did not know God well; he had received no revelation. His encounter was transformative; a bond was forged between him and God. His responsiveness opened him further, enabling him to receive the word of God and, presumably, to speak it to others. Samuel’s influence is attributed to God’s direction in his life. It was God who made Samuel’s words effective. Paul furnishes the Corinthian community with instruction on the sanctity of the human body. Since it is through our bodies that union with Christ is possible, this same body is to be revered. God highly values the human body, as evident in the bodily resurrection first of Christ and then of others. Paul goes on to assert that our bodies are temples of the Spirit, the same Spirit with whom we are one through our union with Christ. Paul’s final admonition is brief but quite revealing. He calls upon the Corinthians to glorify God in their bodies, which are the means by which we touch the mysteries of God.
There are times when intermediaries play important roles in the lives of others. The Gospel reading describes two such instances of this. John directs two of his own disciples to Jesus. He identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God, a title that may be based on an interpretation of the description of the Suffering Servant found in the prophet Isaiah (cf. Isaiah 53:7). Later in the story, Andrew recognizes something in Jesus and becomes convinced that he is the long-awaited one. Andrew then brings his brother Peter to Jesus. In both instances, the faith of an associate begins another’s own journey to discipleship.