Big or Small God Wants to Speak to You
Dear Friends,
Last week we began our first message series for the new year, Defining Moments. If you missed it, be sure to catch up on YouTube or on our Website. We spent the Epiphany with the Magi marveling at the journey and the star and the gifts, all the special aspects of the story that make it an event to remember and even to pass on to future generations of Christians even two thousand years later. The fact that God went out of his way to communicate with these foreigners from the East through the stars, “a language” they would have recognized and interpreted, is amazing and revelatory. When God wants us to know something, He does communicate with us. Sometimes, it is bright and unmistakable like a star. Other times, God is more subtle.
Consider, for example, our buddy Samuel when he was a mere youth serving in the Temple under Eli. At night while he was sleeping, God spoke to him. Yet so subtle was this communication that Samuel was confused. He had not yet had the experience of how God typically speaks. It reminds me of how God spoke to Joseph in dreams (see: Mt 1:20; 2:13). I do not often remember my dreams, so deep is my sleep; thus, God would have to speak to me in a different way. And finally, Samuel receives that key advice, so simple yet so profound. Just say these words: “Speak Lord for your servant is listening.” Yes, simple and yet a great challenge to listen with open ears and heart.
Today, listening with the heart to the subtle communications of God is a great challenge. Our lives are full of hustle and bustle, and screens and speakers. Those visual and auditory distractions, I fear, can really keep us from creating an open space within us where we can converse with God. Jesus calls it our “inner room” or chamber (Mt 6:6), a space within where we are invited to meet God. More than that, to create an abode for Him, a hidden oasis where confidences are shared. I love Eli’s advice, such a simple prayer and yet so powerful.
When we turn to the Gospel today, Andrew and John meet Jesus for the first time. John the Baptist introduces them. Also, a powerful moment of encounter, and yet when I place myself at the scene, I wonder if I would have had the courage to ask Him, “Where are You staying?” In effect, may I come and stay with You, learn from You. Come to think of it, this is a beautiful “inner chamber” moment, as they pass the first night at the feast of the Master. I wonder what they discussed or how much they slept?
In each of these moments there is darkness and light, silence and speech, communication, and discovery. But also, in each of these instances it could have gone a different way. It is possible that the Magi never left Persia, Samuel failed to turn to the Lord, and Andrew and John did not respond to John the Baptizer’s prompting. Each of these are defining moments, significant crossroads on the pilgrim journey of life that could have gone another way.
More than anything, during this new year, I invite you to make some more space for God in your life, time for stillness and listening. Use those words of Eli or the inner room as it is helpful for you, with the confidence that God wants to speak to your heart. What He says may just lead to a whole new adventure!
With my blessing +
Fr. Joel
