2nd Sunday B
We may think our relationship to God is a personal affair, not too dependent on anybody else except ourselves, but the scriptures today are a reminder that it’s not so. Others often lead us to God. In our gospel reading, see how John the Baptist points Jesus out to some of his disciples, and Andrew brings his brother, Simon, to him. More than we know, we’re often led to God by others.
Instead of a lonely journey, we know God together. Another way of saying it is that we belong to one body, a church. So much of our knowledge of God comes from others and, in fact, the lonely believer is an impoverished believer.
In today’s first reading, the young Samuel hears God calling in the night in the temple but doesn’t know how to answer or what’s happening. The old priest Eli doesn’t help him much at first. He tells the young man there is no one calling, go back to sleep.
Finally, the old man recognizes that God is calling the young man. This is not the first time someone from an older generation doesn’t understand someone younger. Then, the old priest gives the right advice: “Go to sleep, and if you are called say ‘Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.’”
It’s wise advice. Believe God speaks. Listen humbly as a servant, without letting your own ideas intrude. Become a listener and hear what God wishes to say.
