Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

1 Samuel 3:3-19; Psalms 40:2-10; John 1:35-42

"Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will." Such words are never far from my lips or my heart, yet that divine will remains as mysterious as ever. And this is good; it is as it should be. Our Parent does not have a ten-point plan for us to execute, much to our disappointment. No, they simply ask us to listen and to look, and then to share. They offer wonder, not clarity or certainty. It is different than what we expected, as it was for the first disciples. But once the shock of the cross wears off, perhaps we too will find ourselves somewhere beautiful. Yes, amazing things happen when we trust in God's plan, as strange and mysterious as it might be. So, "here am I, Lord; I come to do your will."

Second Sunday In Ordinary Time

1 Samuel 3:3b-10,19; John 1:35-42

We are Samuel. God calls each of us by name, not just prophets and clerics, but many do not reply. They have allowed others to convince them that they are not worthy. Is a child ever unworthy to speak directly to her parents? Jesus came to lead us to our Parent, not serve as an intermediary. A good cleric does the same. Yes, it is easier to hear human language than divine whisperings. There are certainly plenty of people willing to exploit this for their own gain. But they cannot change the fact that we are true children of our Creator, not sinful houseguests, and they can only hide this reality from us for so long. So let us be courageous children, unafraid of serving our Parent's will. "Speak, for your servant is listening."

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

1 Samuel 3: 3b-10, 19

I am Samuel. I hear the call and respond, but I have yet to respond to the true caller. I think I am familiar with my Father, but she hasn't really revealed anything to me yet. Glimpses and hints perhaps, but my own will is still blocking the view. So let me be still and peaceful, and wait for my Lord to whisper my name when I am asleep. Speak father, for your servant is listening.