Word to the Wise
Wednesday, January 15, 2014 - Wednesday in the 1st Week in Ordinary Time
[1 Sam 3:1-10, 19-20 and Mark 1:29-39]When Samuel went to sleep in his place, the Lord came and revealed his presence, calling out as before, "Samuel, Samuel!" Samuel answered, "Speak, for your servant is listening."
I once heard someone say humorously that human beings are more likely to reverse the words in Samuel's statement by saying, "Listen, Lord, your servant is speaking!" This may be one reason why "discernment" is so difficult at times. We are trying to tell God what we want and are not listening to what God is saying. And often what we are saying is that we want God to tell us what to do! I have often encountered this in spiritual direction.
Samuel had to make a few mistakes in his discernment before he realized that it was not his mentor, Eli, who was calling to him. Eli was wise enough to understand what was happening and gave Samuel the right advice. Discernment often requires wisdom from outside our conflicting ideas and concerns. It also takes time and trust both in the Lord and in the guide. Both the directee and the director have to do a lot of listening and praying. Very few people will have the experience of St. Paul on the road to Damascus - and even he needed the help of Ananias to get his eyes truly opened! [Acts 9:17].
Formal spiritual direction may not be necessary for everyone, but listening to God is essential if we want to be serious about our faith and how to live it. AMEN