Life requires us to listen for God.
The first reading is a wonderful lesson for us in the effort and messiness of listening to God. Three times, God calls to Samuel, but Samuel thinks it is Eli calling. With Eli’s help, Samuel identifies that God is sending him a message, and opens his ears and heart to what God has to say. How often do we need to hear God multiple times before we recognize the messenger (let alone the message)? Lots of us have experienced change during the pandemic, whether it is change to employment status, daily routines and activities, connections with others, or workplace and school adaptations. Change can affect our ability to listen. What is God saying to you right now? What is He asking? Open your ears and your heart to hear what He is saying to you this week.
God of whispers and windstorms, open our hearts and our ears to hear you speaking. May we keep seeking you when you nudge us until we can hear you clearly. May your words take root in us so that your life grows in us with each whispered word. Amen.
Taken from the CCCB – Reflection
