Wednesday of the First Week In Ordinary Time
Ever looked at something for a longtime without seeing all that was there? Or have you ever heard a sound that you couldn’t figure out its source? Or have you ever been so paralyzed by a situation or illness where you just could not see a way forward? Recently I was struggling for days to trying to solve an issue at home. Finally an idea flashed in my head and I was able to figure out a solution. What struck me afterward was how I had stared at the solution and failed to see it. Often our faith journey is similar. God is repeated nudging us in a direction that demands we be more faithful to the Gospel, but the message we don’t see.
In today’s first reading Samuel is called repeatedly. He didn’t understand from whom the calling was coming. Eli however figured out that it was the Lord who was calling for Samuel. Eli guided Samuel to respond directly to the Lord. He even gave Samuel the response to the call. Speak, Lord for you service is listening. (1 Sam 3:10) How often does the Lord call out to us? How often do we even hear his voice? Reflect on the people who may be trying to help redirect or guide us back to Christ. What might be impeding your ability to recognize Christ? Or perhaps you are quite clear that Christ is the one calling you but are reluctant to respond to the call. Is the response you give to the call one of openness? When one knows the call and fails to respond to it openly, one can almost feel paralyzed.
Upon entering the Peter’s home Jesus heals Peter’s ill mother-in-law. Her response to the healing ought to be our response to the call. Immediately she got up and started waiting on them. Each of us has been called to serve the Lord and one another. Yet how seriously do we take this call? Is it okay to respond only in ways or at times when it is convenient? What if the moment we take a break from our discipleship is the very moment someone is looking to us to find Christ? Our impotent discipleship will preach a gospel that is lukewarm.
“Lord we humbly ask You to help us hear Your call this day. Strengthen our hearts so that we are open to all of the ways You are calling us to do Your will. Amen!"
-Michael Montgomery