Of the readings in the
Revised Common Lectionary for 9 January 2014 (Thursday before the First Sunday after Epiphany), I chose to reflect on 1 Samuel 3:1-9.
Knock Three TimesIn this reading a young Samuel is lying down at night in the temple, preparing to go to sleep. Three times God calls to Samuel, but each time Samuel doesn't realize that it is God who is calling him. Each time he thinks it is the high priest Eli who has called him. Upon the third time of asking Eli what he wanted Eli realizes that God is calling Samuel and he instructs the boy on how to respond to God.
In a way, God calls to us all, yet too few of us listen to that call. Of those who do listen, we may well mistake the call as being from another. We may get discouraged when who we think is calling turns out to be wrong and stop listening. We may not be as fortunate as Samuel to have an Eli to turn to who can help us realize where that call originates from. Yet don't let that discourage you. Take the first step and leave yourself the chance to listen to the call. Set aside a time each day for calm in which you call hear. Even if you believe that call will only be from within rather than from the divine, I think you will benefit from it.
(P.S. Be thankful my taste in pop music is old or I might have titled this reflection
Call Me Maybe instead.
)
