Here I am

Samuel is dedicated to God.  That is why we find him sleeping in the temple, sort of a night watchman, when he hears the voice of God.  I have always been intrigued by this story.  How Samuel came to be was sort of a gift and a blessing in the midst of chaos and brokenness.  But he only recognizes that it is God through a mentor, who is the priest, Eli.  Eli knows of something of the mystery of God and begins to lead this young child through the door which leads towards a deeper journey of God's love and mercy.

In the Baptism ritual, ideally the minister of Baptism meets the child and the parents at the door of the Church.  From there, he priest or deacon will ask, 'What name have you given this child,' and 'What do you ask of God's Church.'  From there they are welcomed into the community.  This is a rich sign of the entrance into the community by invitation with the support and the encouragement of the entire faith community.  We are present, as a communion, to the child and to the mom and dad.

In the noisiness of our world we really do need mentors to show us the way that leads to holiness and so as to hear the voice of God.  Even more so we are at a place where religion and faith has been relegated to the 'high holy days' and at those special sacramental moments.  God could be shouting at us from on high, yet we cannot distinguish the voice of God from all of the other voices that seek our attention.

People of faith can know that God is present to them because they have an ongoing and a daily relationship with God.  Prayer, Liturgy, works or charity, all draw one closer to recognizing and hearing God's voice.  Faithful people have sort of a responsibility in sharing the Word of God, and guiding one another in accord with that voice.  Especially the young and those whose faith might not be strong.

In a way we who have a deep and dedicated faith, are all catechists, ministers of care, and vocation directors.  With the same courage and strength of Eli we have to be able to share, "Next time say, 'Speak Lord, your servant is listening.'"