1 Sam 1:1-8 / Mark 1:14-20
In life there are misfortunes. It may be a setback, an illness, a recurring problem, and misfortunes come in all forms and circumstances.
Being unfortunate is one thing. But being taunted and made fun of, being jeered at and despised for that misfortune can be quite unbearable.
In the 1st reading, Hannah had that misfortune of being barren. Even though her husband loved her, his other wife who had children taunted and annoyed Hannah for her misfortune.
She could only weep at her misfortune and even her husband could not console her that much.
Listening to Hannah's misfortune will certainly remind us of our own misfortunes or problems.
And we would certainly be hoping for solutions, or at least some consolation.
In the gospel, when Jesus heard that John the Baptist had been arrested, it was certainly not good news.
But with that, Jesus went on to proclaim the Good News from God as He said, "The time has come and the kingdom of God is close at hand. Repent, and believe the Good New."
And He even called His first few disciples to embark on this mission.
What Jesus wants to tell us is that in our misfortunes, difficulties and problems, God is close at hand to console us and even help us with solutions.
We must believe in the goodness of the Lord that in our misfortunes, difficulties and problems, the Good News of His love will console us and we will be able to find solutions.