Perhaps at times we think: if only I could hear God literally calling me, like Samuel in the Old Testament!… it would be so much easier, as I’d be certain of what God wants from me. Yet callings of this kind have always been rare. In fact, at the beginning of Samuel’s story, we are told that “the word of the Lord was rare in those days; visions were not widespread” (1 Sam 3:1). Moreover, had it not been for Eli, Samuel might not have noticed the call at all.
The period in which Samuel lived was not particularly joyful, largely due to the hardness of heart among the people of Israel and the poor example set by the priests. Yet, in spite of this, God chose to use Samuel, a twelve-year-old boy, to bring about change.
The word obedience comes from the Latin ob-audire, which means to listen. Samuel is a clear example of obedience because as soon as he heard someone calling him, he ran to the priest Eli. He was old and had begun to lose his sight, so Samuel assumed he needed help. This passage brings to mind Mary, who, after the angel appeared to her, “got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea” (Luke 1:39) to assist Elizabeth, who was in need. Both Mary and Samuel were attentive to the needs of others; their eagerness to serve sprang from the heart, accompanied by a sense of zeal and joy.
Although Samuel was a devout boy who served in the temple, he did not immediately recognise that it was God who was calling him. Even Eli did not at first understand that the voice Samuel heard was the Lord’s. Yet God did not give up. He continued to call until, on the third instance, Eli realised that it was the Lord who was calling and instructed Samuel to respond, should he hear the voice again: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening” (1 Sam 3:10).
Eli played a crucial role in helping Samuel recognise God’s call. But this guidance would have been fruitless had Samuel not had an open heart and been willing to follow Eli’s counsel.
It is no surprise that St George Preca rejoiced when the Church approved the spiritual direction of the SDC members as a source of spiritual guidance. It is a blessing to have someone we trust, with whom we can share our spiritual journey, and who can help us grow in faith. Do not fall into the trap of thinking you can live the Christian life on your own!
God still calls, are you listening?
Hayden Diacono
SDC Candidate
