Today we reflect on Samuel’s call, our call from the Lord. Eli patiently sends Samuel back to bed twice before realizing there was something more going on with young Samuel. Eli suggests that next time Samuel is to respond “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.” The strategy works, and as Samuel grows up “the Lord was with him, not permitting any word of his to be without effect.” These last words especially resonate. The Lord gives us yet another gift when we take the time to listen carefully. He will not permit any of our words to be ‘without effect’. That is intense. The more we listen for the Lord’s call, the more effect our words will have. As our communion with the Lord increases, so too does our responsibility for our words. All good people strive for a positive effect on others, we want to leave a legacy, we want to be remembered for our goodness. We want this “effect” that Samuel had post-listening.
How many words do I send out into my world that do not need to be said? These still have effect, and I am responsible for saying them. Too often we are bombarded with media messages about who Tweeted, posted or shared what. If I take these messages out of my day, it is much more likely I will hear what the Lord has to say. If we truly listen carefully, we will be blessed with clarity, understanding, and intuition for the collaborative innovations needed to address the many injustices the world.
But this also takes courage. It takes courage to take the time to listen to God’s call. I’m heading into my annual 8-day silent retreat with the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, an incredible blessing. Last January, I felt like I was on the precipice of something, this year I know what that was (pandemic, lockdowns, mass chaos in my nation’s democracy, etc.). It all seems so overwhelming, what would you have me to do Lord? There is lettering on the wall of the Adoration Chapel at the Jesuit Retreat Center here in Cleveland Ohio. It says exactly that, “Lord, what would you have me to do?”
As part of our careful listening, we must take time to discern God’s message, His call to us, today, this day, in our time, one day at a time. Let’s take courage and do as the Psalm suggests, “I announced your justice in the vast assembly; I did not restrain my lips, as you, O Lord, know.” Am I brave enough? No, not really…. at least not alone. Take a few minutes to envision God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, Mary, all looking down on you right now, today, in this moment. Even with all this global turmoil, they are with you, watching you, guiding you, speaking to you. Visualize your loved ones there with them… what is it they would have you do? How do they want you to feel? Who do they want you to be? Suddenly, I feel encouraged, strong, realistic, cared for, deeply loved. These are the roots of courage; this is what we need. St. Paul reminds us that “we are not our own…we have been purchased at a price.” The hard work has been done for us. Maybe we just need to lighten up, brighten up and be the mystical people God is calling us to be, one day, one moment at a time. We are called, and we are covered, and our words will not be without effect.
[1 Samuel 3:3b-10, 19; Psalm 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10; John 1:35-42]
