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Jan 17, 2021

“John (the Baptist) was standing with two of his disciples.>> And as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God.’ The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus.” 
One of the very beautiful aspects that we find in this “call narrative” of today’s gospel is the fact of how the two disciples give heed to the word of John the Baptist. And to further that call, they would give heed to the invitation of Jesus as well: “Come, and you will see.” and they went and stayed with Him.
The acts of obedience to the voice of John the Baptist re-define their lives and transform their future! This act of obedience was a radical choice they made. They were probably not very sure what was coming ahead.>> They were mostly uncertain, of what would be the implications of “following Christ closely would mean” But they made a choice. >> And that choice would change their lives forever!
The first reading narrates the call of young Samuel while he was serving in the temple. Samuel had no way of recognizing the voice of the Lord, and thought it was Eli the High priest calling him. But the call of the Lord is persistent and finally Samuel is trained to respond: “Speak Lord your servant is listening.”
How different from our modern-day prayer which often says: “Listen Lord, for your servant is speaking!” While prayer is a conversation with God, we need to realize that to enter into prayer we have to listen, and our attitude has to be one of listening. We cannot command the Lord to speak, and the initiative of prayer is always with God. We cannot tell God when he has to speak. On the contrary we have to humbly wait on him and be available to him.
Lord, Open our hearts to listen to your words.