What does God want me to do?
That’s a question that we often ask ourselves.? While complaining that the Lord doesn’t speak to us, we sometimes fail to recognize the fact that He is speaking…it’s just that we’re not listening!
How do we get better at hearing and responding to God’s voice?? The readings from today’s Mass hold some important clues.? In the First Reading (1 Sm 3:1-10, 19-20), Samuel is unaware that the voice he is hearing is actually coming from the Lord.? Fortunately, the high priest Eli is able to let Samuel know that God is speaking to him.
LESSON 1:? Seek out the advice of a spiritual director or a trusted friend when trying to hear the Lord’s voice in your life.
In today’s Gospel (Mk 1:29-39), after healing Simon’s mother-in-law,? Jesus rose early the next morning and “went off to a deserted place, where He prayed”.
LESSON 2:? If you want to hear the Lord speaking to you, find a quiet place (even if only for a few minutes) and pray.? If it was good enough for Jesus, it’s good enough for us.? According to St. Cyprian of Carthage, “If He who is without sin prayed, how much more ought sinners to pray?”
Once we have determined that the Lord is speaking to us (and possibly calling us to do something), there is one more thing that we should do.? While it is important that we learn to identify God’s voice, it is more important that we obey His commands.? A great piece of advice can be found in today’s Responsorial Psalm (Ps 40:2 and 5, 7-8a, 8b-9, 10)…
Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.
LESSON 3:? Be open to what the Lord may be asking of you, even if it is difficult!
Following these 3 simple suggestions will help you hear and respond to the God’s voice.? Give it a try today and see what happens!
