Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Fr. Joseph Eddy, O. de M.
MP3 – Do We Know God’s Voice When He Calls?
If we come from a good family we learn from an early age to use proper etiquette. Surely, this is not as emphasized today as it once was, but it is still necessary. One of these “essential manners” is to properly introduce ourselves and others to those we meet. Typically we say, “Hello my name is ______ (raising our hand to shake the others).” Then, we listen for their name and respond, “Nice to meet you_____.”
In today’s Gospel, the disciples are meeting Jesus for the first time. Andrew, the brother of Simon, meets Jesus and is invited to stay with him for a while. In this brief experience of the Lord, Andrew becomes convinced that “we have found the Messiah.” He quickly brings his brother, Simon, to Jesus.
The Lord knows Simon
Now, this is where it gets really interesting. At the sight of Simon, Jesus introduces him saying, “You are Simon the son of John.” The Lord knows Simon. There is no need for introductions. Going further, Jesus says, “…you will be called Cephas (Peter).” Not only does Jesus know Simon, but He knows him to the depths of his being. He is revealing to Simon who he really is and who he is meant to be.
We should take time to imagine ourselves approaching Jesus. He introduces us to ourselves. In the experience of being in his presence, we come to know who we really are and who we are meant to be.
This initial experience of the Lord also takes place in the first reading. The Lord is calling the youth Samuel to a prophetic vocation. We are told that the young man “was not familiar with the Lord.” Samuel did not know the voice of the Lord or how to discern His presence and his will. Luckily, he has Eli to be a spiritual guide. Eli teaches Samuel how to respond to the Lord.
Growing familiar with God
Samuel and Simon Peter grow in their relationship with God. By the end of their lives they are quite familiar with God. These two men know God and how He communicates to them as individuals.
Do we know God’s voice when He calls? Are we “familiar” with how God speaks to us so that we are aware of it and ready at all times? This type of familiarity takes time and grace. The good thing is that we don’t have to introduce ourselves to God. We just can sit down in his presence before the Blessed Sacrament or at home. Let Him introduce us to ourselves slowly. The Lord will tell us who we really are and who we are created to be.
This is to be truly alive. To know the one who created all things and holds all in being. This is to truly find ourselves!