January 13, 2010
Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
At that time Samuel was not familiar with the LORD, because the LORD had not revealed anything to him as yet. The LORD called Samuel again, for the third time. Getting up and going to Eli, he said, "Here I am. You called me." Then Eli understood that the LORD was calling the youth. So he said to Samuel, "Go to sleep, and if you are called, reply, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.'" 1 Samuel 3:7-9a
On leaving the synagogue he entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon's mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them. Mark 1: 29-31
Piety
“Here I am.” Words which have been on the lips of saints and sinners throughout Biblical history. In the Hebrew Bible, we heard these words from Isaac and Esau. From Jacob. From Moses in front of a burning bush. From Abraham before and after being asked to sacrifice his beloved son. From Samuel and Eli. From David. From the prophet Isaiah. From a young virgin named Mary when the angel appeared to her. From Ananias when asked to aid Saul of Tarsus.
“Here I am.” Words that are now on our lips.
Lord, I am waiting for you just as you are waiting for me. Draw me out of my selfish pursuits and self-destructive behaviors. Set my feet upon the holy ground that you have cultivated for my spiritual growth. Put your song of praise on my mind, on my lips and in my heart.
Help me to turn my back on seeking happiness and security in this world from Jack Daniels or Jim Beam. From Ipod or Blackberry. From the NFL or the NBA or even from March Madness. From the golf course or spring training. From the stock market or the bond market. From bailouts or bonuses.Send the Holy Spirit to inspire change within me – a change in the direction in which I am looking for happiness. Revive me from sleep walking through life to live once again reconnected to you and your presence. Nothing in this world is a shadow of your wonders. Open my ears and eyes to your word and works.
Study
LORD, do not withhold your compassion from me; may your enduring friendship protect and defend me from all that keeps me from you because all around me are countless temptations.
Get me away from the great distractions. Rescue me! Come quickly to help me, LORD! Please foil all the people and corporations and organizations which seek to steer my life away from you. Take from me Father all that keeps me from you. Give to me, Jesus, all that leads me to you. Set me free, Holy Spirit, that I might dedicate my life to you.
Action
In the end, there is nothing more that any of us can do than our best. I am here, Lord. I am doing my best, trying to discern your will, trying to uphold your will, and please you. “Here I am, Lord.”
