First Wednesday of Ordinary Time

So Eli said to Samuel, "Go to sleep, and if you are called, reply, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.'" When Samuel went to sleep in his place, the LORD came and revealed his presence, calling out as before, "Samuel, Samuel!" Samuel answered, "Speak, for your servant is listening." Samuel grew up, and the LORD was with him, not permitting any word of his to be without effect.

We are all being summoned by God in one way or another. Like Samuel, we might think someone or something else is calling us and go off in the wrong direction, but eventually God will give us the clarity we need to make a choice to either listen to Him or turn a deaf ear. One thing we need however is time away from the world. For Samuel this time was when he was asleep. For us it may be taking a few minutes out of each day to invite God into our lives and simply listen in our hearts. No matter the time or place we choose, it is important for us to set aside this time in a quiet and reflective place away from worldly distractions. After all, we cannot listen to God’s inspirations if we are focused on earthly things. So let us take Eli’s advice and when we are at rest in the Lord and feel Him calling us, we should say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” Then God will reveal Himself to us and show us what we are being called to think, say, or do through the inspirations of the Holy Spirit and the guidance of our consciences.

Are we listening for the Lord? How can we place ourselves in the right place and state of mind to listen to God’s inspirations? How can we come to rest more perfectly in the presence of our Heavenly Father?

O Lord, speak, for your servants are listening.

Amen.