2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time- Fr. Leo
Samuel is a novice of Eli, in training to become a prophet. He places himself in Eli’s care as he seeks to know the Lord. God spoke to him three times, but it wasn’t till the last time after Eli’s council, that he recognized the voice of the Lord and responded, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” From that point on he grew in the Spirit, thus becoming a man of wisdom and a voice of God for God’s people.
Just as Samuel needed the guidance of Eli, we need spiritual people in our lives who can help us discern the voice of God calling us to active discipleship. Monks have Novice Masters. Some laity have Spiritual Directors, but for most of us, we have the scriptures and tradition. The liturgy of Word and Sacrament that we celebrate together each week is to be our source of wisdom, our spiritual guide.
The key in this endeavor is listening and understanding the scriptures given us each Sunday. Through the three year cycle of readings, we have a chance to reflect on most of the Bible, both Old and New Testaments. The homily is to elucidate the scriptures and help us hear what the Lord has to say to us. We all hear something different as we are in different places in our spiritual journeys.
What makes our celebration of the Word effective is our willingness and authentic seeking of the Lord. Samuel was a seeker drawn by God. He lived in the company of Eli and opened his mind and heart to God. His interior desire is what allowed the Spirit to make him holy. So, we too, need to listen with open hearts and a desire to draw closer to the Lord. In all this, the sprit inspires and draws us forward, but only if our desire is genuine and our seeking of the Lord is what is most important in our lives.
Thus, let us continue to pray: Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in us the fire of your love!