January 19, 2026
Second Week in Ordinary Time
Living Out Obedience
Obedience is better than sacrifice…
1 Samuel 15:22

For many, the call for obedience may feel out of touch in today’s world. However, obedience, in terms of our spiritual life, is an alignment with God’s will, a responsiveness to God’s voice and being committed to God’s commandments, even when life is a little challenging. I am beginning to appreciate that God desires our hearts and our willingness to reposition our focus and intentions.

So, I ask myself: Am I living a life of love, aligning my actions with God’s commandments and serving not from duty but from a sincere desire rooted in love and understanding?

Sometimes I go to church on Sunday as if obedient attendance alone quantifies my faith. However, am I simply offering my prayers and sacrifices at Mass in hopes that they cover up areas of my disobedience? I’m sure that God wants to teach me much more on this subject.

Loving God, please help us align our actions authentically with your will.

- Vivian Amu

1 Samuel 15:16-23 ✚ Psalm 50:8-9, 16-17, 21, 23 ✚ Mark 2:18-22
Yellow middle light in traffic light during heavy snow fall in middle of the city. Image by K | stock.adobe.com
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Comments

Debbie H
January 19, 2026 at 02:21 PM

Interesting devotion and comments today. Thank you Vivian and LFF.

Mel
January 19, 2026 at 12:19 PM

I suggest trying to "obey"/live by the Beatitudes

Cheryl
January 19, 2026 at 12:04 PM

Amen... thank you for this very insightful reflection

Larry S
January 19, 2026 at 11:58 AM

From USCCB Respect for Life Day 4: May every father of a preborn child lovingly support the mother of his child in welcoming new life. Fatherhood has its origins in God, who chose to reveal Himself to us as Our Father, sending his only Son for the sake of our salvation. Fathers therefore have a special role “in revealing and in reliving on earth the very fatherhood of God” (Familiaris consortio 25). Fathers are called to exhibit “generous responsibility for the life conceived under the heart of the mother” (FC 25). They are uniquely entrusted with the protection and defense...
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PeggyR
January 19, 2026 at 10:35 AM

Praying that the leaders of this country and the world are obedient to the laws of God by treating all human beings with dignity and respect. Praying for an end to unnecessary violence and threats of war. Dear Jesus, we need to live your words, “ Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. Amen

Stormi
January 19, 2026 at 10:04 AM

Vivian thank you for those words to self reflect with. Self reflection is hard to do. I worry so much and when I am at mass I do worry about the safety of my animals at home from the neighbor kid hurting them and check my camera during mass. I worry about the ails of this world. I pray for God to keep all the innocent people in this world safe everyday! I also listen to the message in the readings praying that God hears the prays of all in this weary world. Blessings to all the LFF, especially those...
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freeter
January 19, 2026 at 10:03 AM

Amen.

Vicky G
January 19, 2026 at 09:57 AM

Don’t under rate yourselves my wandering minded friends! Obedience is what God asked of Saul. He decided to make his own rules and that’s what got him in trouble. If he would have just followed what God said without thinking he could make it better….or at least acknowledged his wrong doing and made a resolution to not take matters into his own hands again. So obediently attending mass is doing what Our Lord asks of us, a wandering mind…..well most of the time if I begin to wander it is in response to something in the homily. Why am I...
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Gary
January 19, 2026 at 09:52 AM

Thank you Vivian for your comments today. Help me to understand how I can be more obedient to you Jesus. Amen!

Salina (not in control)
January 19, 2026 at 09:47 AM

Listen to what the Lord told Saul about his disobedient through Samuel in 1 Samuel 15:17-19, “Samuel said, “There was a time when you didn’t think you were important. But you became the leader of the tribes of Israel. The Lord anointed you to be king over Israel. He sent you to do something for Him. He said, ‘Go and completely destroy the Amalekites. Go and destroy those evil people. Fight against them until you have wiped them out.’ Why didn’t you obey the Lord? Why did you keep for yourselves what you had taken from your enemies? Why did you do what is...
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Scott
January 19, 2026 at 09:23 AM

At the church I attend we are asked to take a star word out of a basket. Last year I got the word authenticity. Being the authentic self in mass takes a lot of focus to always be present with God. I believe, even as my mind wanders, or I stray from my authentic self God’s love is authentic. Loves us no matter what I did yesterday, this morning, wherever I am the love of God remains the same and accepts me for who I am. Let the authentic words of Martin Luther King, Jr. ring out today and always....
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CBR
January 19, 2026 at 08:32 AM

When I go to Mass I go to pray and try to understand what the readings are about and I try to convey my shortcomings with the father and hope she was straighten me out but I have to listen to what he's trying to tell me so Lord God please let me understand what you are trying to convey to me help me to see my shortcomings and to straighten them out in Jesus name I pray Amen Amen Amen

K.Miller
January 19, 2026 at 08:16 AM

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I go to Mass out of obedience, but I’m moved by prayers, hymns, homily and the Holy Spirit is with me when I see my friends and fellow parishioners. This is a good thing and I’m glad the small effort on my part pays such positive dividends.

Kjc
January 19, 2026 at 08:14 AM

Yes Vivian sometimes I go to mass and my mind wanders. I have to work on keeping focused on the readings and the Eucharist. Thanks for your contributions to this site. Oh no traffic lights again Ken

Lia
January 19, 2026 at 07:42 AM

Amen.

Yellow middle light in traffic light during heavy snow fall in middle of the city. Image by K | stock.adobe.com
Image of the day

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