Pastors Corner for the 2nd Sunday in Ordinary time by Fr. Nobert Munekani SJ

This Sunday’s readings are all about listening and responding to the call of the Lord. The first reading describes the call of Samuel, the son of Hannah and Elkanah in their old age. We are told, at this time, that Samuel had ‘no knowledge of the Lord and the word of the Lord had not been revealed to him’. It is Eli who recognized that the Lord was calling Samuel and told him to respond with the memorable words ‘Speak, Lord, your servant is listening’.                                                                                                                                 

These words express the attitude of openness and attentive listening required to discern the call of the Lord in our lives.  It is the attitude we must cultivate when we pray. Sometimes we turn Samuel’s words on their head and say or think: ‘Listen, Lord, your servant is speaking’, so anxious are we that the Lord will answer our requests. Of course, the Lord listens to us, but we must first listen and pay attention to what he is saying to us. And he speaks to us not only in Scripture, but also in the book of nature, through others, and in our everyday experiences. He is always speaking to us in the depths of our hearts and calling us to be his co-workers in creating a world that reflects his love. Rather than an insistent voice in the stillness of the night, as was the case with Samuel, his call may be more akin to a tug at our heartstrings, something we feel at quiet and reflective moments in our life. In whatever way it comes, it is important that we listen attentively to what the Lord is saying to us, and follow the example of Samuel.

Our gospel reading is John’s account of the call of the first disciples of Jesus, Andrew, his brother, Simon Peter, and John.  John and Andrew were already disciples of John the Baptist, and it was the Baptist who identified Jesus for them, saying ‘Look, there is the Lamb of God’.  The Baptist’s use of the messianic title, ‘Lamb of God’, shows that he recognizes Jesus as the Messiah and is prepared to let his own disciples follow Jesus.  It also explains why Andrew and John immediately leave the Baptist and follow Jesus. Jesus then turns around to them and asks them what they want, or what they are looking for – a searching question, indeed. It is a question addressed also to us, inviting us to look into our own hearts, and try to discover what we really want.

Four important lessons for us in our readings are: first, like Samuel, we are reminded of the importance of listening and paying attention to the voice of the Lord and treasuring his word. Second, like Eli and Andrew, we are enjoined to share the good news with others and lead them to the Lord, but then let the Lord take over. We must not stand in the way. Third, we are challenged to clarify what we are looking for in life and what we are hoping for from the Lord. Finally, if we want to be true disciples of Jesus, we must be prepared to spend time with him and develop a personal relationship with him. 

For the sick

Let us continue to pray for the sick members of our parish especially Benedicta Ngwebelele, Phoeb Ngwenya, Francinah Ncala and Andrew Ledwaba

Rev. Fr. Nobert Munekani SJ