One of the unknown but no less great prophecies in the Old Testament is the prophecy which is gotten from the first reading today from the book of Samuel. The Lord calls Samuel while he is asleep in the temple. Three times he goes to Eli, whom he thinks is calling him, but Eli tells him to go back to sleep – he did not call him! The third time Eli tells Samuel to respond: “Speak for your servant in listening.” And when he did so, immediately his life changed and it was filled with the presence of God’s spirit – so much so, that all of his words were of highest value and effect after that.
This foretells the time when Jesus would come and all of his words would be of supreme value and truly effect what they proclaim - because they too would be spoken in the power of the Holy Spirit!
In the gospel passage, Jesus uses words to show his power over nature, over illness and afflictions: he speaks, and healing occurs on the physical and spiritual levels.
The most endearing words to God that we could say in a day is: “Here I am Lord, I come to do your will.” If we say, them and mean them, and expect God to take us at our word, then great things can be accomplished in our day, by the simple removal of our will from the mix! God’s will is amazing! Let it be done this day as he desires! (And it is always his desire for us to be kind and compassionate and loving towards others, especially the poor – the poor in any stage of poverty – for we ourselves too are poor in the eyes of God!)
My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord. I know them, and they follow me!
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