HOMILY OF THE SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR B
1samuel 3:3b-10,19, 1 Cor 6:13c-15a, 17-20, John 1:35-42.
THEME: KNOWING WHEN GOD CALLS.
We learned from our today’s first reading that, from the moment when Samuel began to recognize the voice of the Lord, “He, [the Lord] was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground.” 1 Samuel 3:19. He speaks well who hears well. It is quite interesting to know that when God counts us worthy of his call, he gives power to the words of our mouth. All we need is to listen to him when he calls, so that we are able to represent him well in the midst of his people.
More so, in today’s gospel narrative, the two disciples of John who followed Jesus sought but only one thing: where Jesus was staying. The moment John the Baptist pointed to him, “Behold the Lamb of God” they began to follow him. On the part of Jesus, he did not wait for them to speak. He had to meet them half-way, and he asked, “What do you seek?” And they said to him, Rabbi, where are you staying? Our work with God is a product of grace. He takes the first initiative to reach out to us. Though we may be searching for him, thinking that we have the passion for him, he is the one who works in us to will and to do. Phil 2:13. He draws closer to himself those who have been destined for salvation. John 6:44
God calls us in varying ways. All we need to know is how and when he is calling us. In the case of Samuel he used the familiar voice of Eli. It follows that he can also speak to us through our parents, teachers, friends, co-workers, passers-by, etc. Let us pray therefore, that whenever he calls us through the mouth of any of these persons, we may not take him for granted.
Moreover, from the gospel account, the Lord called Andrew and the other disciple, using John as the pointer. He subsequently met them half-way. The Lord tested their sincerity by asking them that important question. Amazingly, it was clear that they were not simply looking for a miracle worker or a revolutionist. Rather, they were searching for the teacher, the one who possess all they need to know. They followed him and stayed with him. The response of Jesus, “Come and See” was pregnant with meaning. It is an invitation to come and sit with him. It can simply translate into, “come and learn all you need to know.”
Our success in our life call is consequent of how much of God’s words we possess. We cannot grow beyond our knowledge. God invites us to commit our life to him. We belong to him. He wants to own us so that whenever we speak, it will be clear that he is the one speaking. Puts in the words of St Paul, “You are not your own; you were bought with a price. So, glory God in your body.” 1Cor 6:20.
May our ears be open to God’s holy call. May our lives, our thoughts and words be expressions of his glory on earth.
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