Wednesday of Week 1 – 1 Sam 3:1-10,19-20; Ps 39:2,5,7-10; Mark 1:29-39
I’m really struck by the story in 1 Samuel 3, where the Lord calls out to young Samuel: “Samuel! Samuel!” and Samuel replies, “Speak, for your servant hears.” We’re told how Samuel grew up in God’s presence, and none of his words went to waste. That’s such a powerful image of what happens when we pay attention to God’s voice – we start to see beyond our own limited viewpoint and begin to share in God’s wisdom.
I couldn’t help noticing the verses that were left out of the middle of our reading: those eight lines contain God’s tough prophecy about the fate of Eli’s family. When Eli hears it, his response is heartbreaking yet humble: “He is the Lord; let him do what is good in his eyes.” Prior to this passage Hannah is pouring out her soul to God, asking for a son. Today, we see Samuel becoming wise because he listens to God. And we also see Eli, who, even when confronted by God’s unchangeable judgement, simply surrenders and trusts. Different circumstances call for different attitudes, yet all of them – Hannah’s pleading, Samuel’s listening, and Eli’s resignation – can guide us in our own walk with the Lord.
Those words of the psalm about learning from God resonate with me. So, my prayer is:
Lord, please teach me to listen. Help me be open to Your word without using my usual excuses or trotting out well-worn answers. Let Your message shape me so that I may gain true wisdom. Amen.