A persistent calling awoke the young Samuel, and it was his mentor, Eli, who recognized it for what it was—a call from God. The Lord awoke Samuel and revealed his presence. Eli helped him know how to respond.

Within the congregation today people will be at various stages of decision about their faith. No matter how we arrive at Mass, one thing is certain: God is calling each one of us.

The young boy sleeps in the shrine, curled up in the most sacred spot in Israel, though he can scarcely appreciate it. Dedicated to God in his mother’s womb, Samuel was delivered into the service of religion without ever being asked what he wanted.

It is fashionable for some people to complain about all of the messages that they receive and how busy they are. Usually they bring it on themselves. They have their home phones and work phones and cell phones.

Some of us are natural-born leaders, others followers. Followers often get a bad rap in our entrepreneurial, individualistic culture.

How do you teach your child to listen for the voice of God? This is not an easy question in an age when, moment by moment, our kids are bombarded by messages on TV, radio, the Internet, magazines, billboards, the sides of buses, and even the clothes their friends are wearing.

My sisters and brothers, as we present our needs to God, we listen in hope and anticipation for the voice of the Lord, who hears every prayer.

To be called is an invitation to participate in the drama around us.

John points to [Jesus] and says: “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” [Jesus’] taking away sin is still going on, he is taking it away from every individual in the world, till sin be taken away from the whole world, and the Saviour deliver the kingdom prepared and completed to the Father. —Origen (182-251)