Listening

We do not always see what it is that we think we are seeing. We miss what is there, right in front of us. We mishear, miscommunicate. We do not listen.

Photo by Austin Chan on Unsplash

This is often why we seek someone else to talk to, whether that be for spiritual direction, for therapy, or the support of a friend. In our talking and listening and sharing, we begin to hear more truth. We may not name “it” as the truth, but we move closer, in the conversation.

This week I have been sitting with a reading from the Hebrew Scriptures, from 1 Samuel 3. The passage is about the calling of Samuel, one who would be a great prophet for the people of Israel, but the passage starts with an absence.

A time is described when there were no visions, when the voice of God was scarce.

So in the depths of this night (figuratively, spiritually, and literally), the young Samuel slept next to the Ark of the Covenant, a box that was not to be worshipped as God, but was something of a representation of God. He is roused from his sleep as hears his name being called.

As most of us would, Samuel assumes that someone nearby has called him. In this case, it is most likely to be the priest under whom Samuel serves. Samuel runs to him asking what he can do.

This elder priest, Eli, tells Samuel, “I didn’t call you.”