Reflecting on the Word

By Rev. James A. Wallace, C.Ss.R.

The story of the future prophet Samuel begins by telling us that the voice of  the Lord was rarely heard and visions were uncommon. God seemed to have  broken off communication, given Israel’s spotty record of keeping the Lord’s com mandments. Or perhaps no one was giving attention to God’s voice? One night  when Eli the priest and young Samuel were sleeping in the temple, God called  Samuel by name. Three times God called, and each time Samuel went in to where  Eli was sleeping to see what he wanted. Finally, Eli realized it was the Lord and  told Samuel what to say. 

When Jesus came to the Jordan to be baptized, John the Baptist pointed him  out to those who would be his first disciples. They “heard what he said and fol lowed Jesus.” One of them, Andrew, then went and got his brother Peter. Peter  listened and followed his brother to meet Jesus. 

Sometimes God speaks in the silence of the night, sometimes in the bustle  of everyday life. I loved the TV series Joan of Arcadia, in which God would show up  in various guises—a street performer, an eccentric elderly lady, a child. Scripture  reminds us to keep on our toes, lest God walk on by. Even a first recognition of  Jesus did not totally reveal all that he was. The disciples called him Rabbi and  Messiah, but only John the Baptist knew him for the Lamb of God who would take  away the sins of the world. 

Consider/Discuss

  • In a popular hymn we sing that we have heard God calling in the  night. Have you heard God calling lately—night or day? 
  • Has your response to God’s call been more like Samuel’s or Andrew’s,  needing some assistance, or immediate? 

Responding to the Word

God who has spoken in times past, help us individually and as a community  to listen for your voice in our day. Send us mentors and friends who will help us  to know it is your voice, and give us the courage to respond to your call. Amen.

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