In today’s Gospel reading from Mark 1, Jesus casts an unclean spirit out of a man while in the synagogue in Capernaum. The people recognized the authority that Jesus had, not only over unclean spirits, but to teach as well. They said, “What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.”
Today’s first reading from 1 Samuel 1 shows us a heart-wrenching prayer from Hannah. She was so distraught that the priest, Eli, thought her drunk. She revealed to him that she was simply filled with sorrow and misery. In her prayer, she cuts a deal with God, telling him that if he would give her a son, she would consecrate him to the Lord.
Have you ever cut a deal with God? I know I have. In fact, it’s why I’m writing this and doing what I do each day. Many years ago, our oldest daughter suffered a near-drowning. I told God that if he spared her life, he could take mine. Long story short, he did just that – only not in the way I thought. Moral of the story: be careful when you cut a deal with God. He may just take you up on it!
Father, may we cut this simple deal with you each day: do with us as you will. Amen.
Right on, Michael. It is life changing! I love it, too, and I got copies to give to others.
“Oh My Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of Everything!”
The “The Surrender Novena”
The simplest, easiest, most beautiful Novena WE can and should ALL do every day!!
LOVE it!!