Daily Retreat 01/11/06

2006 Jan 11 Wed: Ordinary Weekday

1 Sm 3: 1-10. 19-20/ Ps 39(40): 2 and 5. 7-8a. 8b-9. 10/ Mk 1: 29-39

From today’s readings: "Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening.... Here am I, Lord; I come to do Your will.... Rising very early before dawn, He left and went off to a deserted place, where He prayed."

Samuel’s Model Vocation

The Lord’s call of Samuel is an excellent biblical example of typical signs which point to a divine vocation. First, note that Samuel thought that he was being called by Eli. Likewise, a modern vocation to the priesthood or religious life often is first felt with a subdued suggestion, from parents, pastor, teachers, or others, who ask a youngster if he has ever thought of becoming a priest, or if she has any interest in serving the Lord as a religious Sister. A child faced with this prospect would probably at first just think the vocational idea originated with the person who brought it up. However, if the idea resonates within the child’s heart, and especially if the same suggestion is brought up by several significant adults, the child will eventually conclude that the vocation actually originates with God, who often calls through human instruments.

Second, note the nature of God’s call to Samuel: gentle and initially indefinite, yet clear and persistent. Likewise, a modern vocation to the priesthood or religious life often is experienced as a gentle invitation heard in prayer to come closer to God. The child or young adult might not even have a vague notion about where the invitation ultimately will lead. But the invitation itself is clear - when dismissed or put on a back burner, it inevitably will turn up again, gentle, but clear and persistent. There are exceptions (such as Paul’s vocation!) when the initial call is itself an overwhelming experience and not subtle at all, but those are the exceptions.

Finally, when Samuel responds to the Lord’s call with the exemplary, "Speak Lord, for Your servant is listening!", the Lord in turn responds to Samuel’s response. The lectionary reading omits these verses, 1 Sam 3:11 -18, because the Lord’s words are not good news for Eli, and the lectionary compilers evidently sought to preserve the propitious and sacred sense of this vocational moment by not dampening it with the introduction of the negative news - Eli himself would probably concur with that approach (cf. v. 18). Likewise, although the call is at times experienced in the midst of some turmoil, whenever a young adult begins to respond to a divine vocation, confirmation signs affirming the response will soon be given by God.

Each of us has a role in fostering vocations to the priesthood in religious life, through our prayers and personal encouragement. During this vocation awareness week, the model vocation of Samuel can help us all to do our part in making sure the call gets heard! Note that while the call came directly from God, Eli was instrumental in setting Samuel on the right track, and think about how you might be able to do the same for someone you know who might be called by God as was Samuel.

If anyone reading this has surfaced personal vocational questions, I heartily encourage you to bring them up with a trusted spiritual advisor!