The Seasons: A Poem

Posted by on
Sunrise over Amazing Grasses Family Farm The mad Artist wields His brush, Painted colors rush, To life and give flush, Before the quiet autumn hush. The life seems to pour, As colors fall to the floor, To be seen no more, Outside the dark, grey door. Brightness from below, Sun upon the snow, High, cold clouds blow, Flakes and ice appear to grow. The man melts with little seen, Underneath, pale, grey green, Hides life in dark unseen, Waits for warmth and to careen. Buds on branches show, Patience starts to grow, Trickles, streams and veins flow, Bringing fruits of melted snow. Sprung to life it springs, Bees, birds, sound rings, Lush green flings, Its gift bounty brings. Green growth gives one last rush, Underneath the Painter's brush. The mad Artist wields His brush, before the quiet autumn hush. More poetry is available from James M. Hahn in  The Last Dragon and Other Poems  available now. My new book of cryptogram puzzles " Secret Messages from the Saints " is avai
0

Answering God's Call

Posted by on
Samuel and Eli by John Singleton Copley

John 1:35-42

Readings from the Second Sunday of Ordinary Time

In today's first reading we hear the familiar story of the call of Samuel. Samuel, who does not yet know the Lord, doesn't recognize His voice when called. He goes to his mentor, Eli, a priest of the Temple, who simply tells him to go back to sleep. This happens again and Eli states that he did not call for Samuel and that he should go back to sleep. The third time this happens, Eli realizes that it must be the Lord calling for Samuel. He tells him to go back to sleep and if the voice should awaken him again to reply, "speak, Lord, your servant is listening." The Lord speaks again and Samuel replies as Eli instructed.

Unfortunately, the reading today skips over what the Lord speaks to Samuel. The Lord tells Samuel that because Eli's sons have profaned the Holy of Holies, and Eli did nothing, the family will be condemned never again allowed to serve in the Lord's presence.

In the Gospel, two followers of John the Baptist hear John proclaim, "Behold, the Lamb of God" as Jesus walks by. These two men, one of which was Andrew, begin following Jesus. Noticing that they are following Him, He asks, "What are you looking for?" He then invites them to come with Him. Later we read that Andrew goes and brings back his brother Simon (Peter) to meet Jesus.

In these two readings we see how the Lord calls and what we are to respond. We also see, in a way, how the world would prefer us to respond.

God is always calling our name. He is constantly speaking to us. The Psalm says, "if today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts." (Psalm 95) We often see this as, well, if God speaks to me today, I'll try to be ready. In reality, we should understand this to mean that God is always speaking to us but we aren't always listening. Further, when we do hear His voice, we often don't like what we hear and tend toward hardened hearts!

Not if you hear His voice today but when, your response and mine, should be the words of Samuel, "speak Lord, your servant is listening." With this response we will be able to hear the words of Jesus, "What are you looking for?" What a gentle, beautiful question from the Lord! He never imposes His will but simply asks us to speak with Him. So, what are you looking for? What is your heart's desire? Healing? Peace in the world or in your family? The conversion of a friend? Courage during a trail or suffering? Tell Him! He is asking! He wants to hear it from your own lips! Enter into conversation with Him. This is what both the Eli and the apostles did and they were blessed beyond imagining!

How does the world want us to respond? The world follows the initial advice of Eli, "go back to sleep." The world, the flesh, and the devil would prefer that we not answer the voice of the Lord. They would prefer that we go back to sleep and remain unaware of the Lord's workings and the devil's prowess. St. Paul refutes this advice over and over:

  • Therefore it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light. - Ephesians 5:14
  • So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. - 1 Thessalonians 5:6
  • Besides this you know what hour it is, how it is full time now for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is at hand. - Romans 13:11-12
Today's readings teach us that a follow of the Lord does these things: Listens - Responds - Acts, in that order. That is the daily agenda for a disciple of Jesus Christ. Easier said than done but with God all things are possible. Stay awake, my friends and answer His call each and every day.

FROM THE SAINTS - Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace. - Gospel Canticle Antiphon for Night Prayer.


My new book of cryptogram puzzles "Secret Messages from the Saints" is available now.
  
Click here to read more from James M. Hahn - Blog - Books - Fiction

Check out his ongoing memoir about life with his special-needs daughter.

Our Giant Wall Rosaries are a perfect addition to your prayer corner, chapel, or classroom.
* Contains affiliate links. No, that doesn't mean that the kids should leave the room. Rather, it means that if you click on a link, and if you purchase something, I may get some financial remuneration for that click and buy. All that means is that my kids will finally get to eat, just kidding but I may get something, just so you know...

Comments

Post a Comment