After being woken up three times in one night, Eli finally realized what was going on. Sensing it was the Lord who was calling Samuel, Eli told that if he heard the voice again, he should respond by saying, “Speak, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:9). A short time later, when the Lord called again, Samuel followed Eli’s instructions, and his life was forever changed.

These six words—“Speak, for your servant is listening”—reflect the way Samuel’s heart was open to God. For the rest of his life, God was with Samuel powerfully, using him to defeat enemies, unite the people, anoint kings, and—when necessary—give Israel a lesson in humility.

This story of Samuel’s calling brings up two important questions: “Do you believe that God can speak to you?” and “Are you willing to receive whatever God says to you?”

The world may scoff at the idea that God can speak to us, but this truth is at the heart of his intention for all his children. We tend to put our faith in what we can see and grasp with our minds. While logic and reason are essential, we shouldn’t let them overshadow the possibility of God speaking as well. Don’t be afraid to ask God to speak to you. When you pray, when you receive the Eucharist, or when you read Scripture, do it with an open, expectant heart. He just may surprise you!

The next question, then, is whether we are open to receiving whatever God says to us. If Samuel had strings attached to his six words, he would have limited his connection to God—and his effectiveness in Israel. But Samuel didn’t say, “Speak, and I’ll think about it.” He didn’t say, “Speak, but I’m pretty busy.” And because there were no conditions, he was able to hear God clearly and follow him humbly.

Brothers and sisters, God has a loving plan for our lives, and he wants to reveal that plan to each of us. So come before the Lord with a humble heart and ask him to speak. He really can do this!

“Here I am, Lord, ready to hear your voice. Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

1.    In the first reading, we hear these words, “At that time Samuel was not familiar with the Lord, because the Lord had not revealed anything to him as yet.” In what ways has the Lord revealed himself to you?

2.    The responsorial psalm calls us to humbly turn to the Lord with these words, “Here I am, Lord, I come to do your will.” What part does doing the Lord’s will play in how you live your life? Is it your “delight”? How can you be more in tune with the Lord’s will for your life?

3.    In the second reading, we hear these words: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). What role does the Holy Spirit play discerning God’s call for your life?

4.    In the first reading and the Gospel reading both Samuel and Andrew were helped by other men in recognizing the call of the Lord for their lives. In what ways has God used other men to help you in discerning God’s will in specific circumstance?

5.    Do you believe that Jesus wants to open your heart to experience his love in a deeper way, so that you too will be compelled like Andrew to tell your brothers and sisters and bring them to him? Why or why not?

6.    “Don’t be afraid to ask God to speak to you. When you pray, when you receive the Eucharist, or when you read Scripture, do it with an open, expectant heart. He just may surprise you!” In what ways do you agree with this quote from the meditation? Disagree? How expectant are you that the Lord will reveal himself to you or speak to you when you pray, receive the Eucharist, or read Scripture?

7.    To what extent do you consult the Lord in prayer before making an important decision? What are you expectations that when you pray the Lord will give you a sense of his will for a situation?

8. Share some ideas that you can use during your time of prayer to make it more a time of listening and of deepening your relationship with the Lord.

Come Holy Spirit!  ~  Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and en kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit and they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. Let us pray: O God, you taught the hearts of your faithful by sending them the light of your Holy Spirit. In that same spirit give us your right judgment and the joy of your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen