Episode 1792: Speak Lord for your Servant is Listening

I have said many times before that when you wake up in the morning say, “Good morning Lord what is it you want from today.” But I want to add an ending to that which is “Speak Lord for your Servant is listening.” I mean really say it and really mean it. Then do your morning prayers and see if you cannot get up early enough to spend at least a ½ hour in front of the Holy Eucharist or attend morning mass. Because once you say those words “Speak Lord for your Servant is listening” you then act by giving Christ and the Blessed Mother your first and best fruits. Christ and the Blessed Mother Love when you call out to them. Did I say Love? I mean LOVE it.
So I decided last night before each rosary and before the Angelus we will say those very words. I will lead with “Speak Lord” and the attendees will respond “for your Servant is listening.”
Sharon sent me a quote this morning as follows:
"The life of the body is the soul; the life of the soul is God." - St. Anthony of Padua
Awesome and we really really must believe that. We are nothing without him. I mean absolutely nothing and the beauty of thinking this way is that you put yourself in check. This has a great way of removing pride and instilling humility and it also sets the stage for “what are you worrying about?” why do you fear or why are you anxious? Put away those antidepressants and realize all that happens to you if of Christ. All of it! Take what he sends you as a gift. When you are in traffic and your anxious or upset say an angelus. If you are sitting in a traffic jam pull out a rosary. If you day just keeps breaking down think of it this way “He is speaking to you and saying do you do not know I go before you always.”
So here is a bit of Catholic Trivia. Who first spoke those words. (Jeopardy Music playing)
Those exact words come from the prophet Samuel in the Book of 1 Samuel.

In Chapter 3, we see a young Samuel serving in the temple under the priest Eli. At night, Samuel hears a voice calling his name. He initially mistakes it for Eli, but Eli assures him he was not the one calling. This happens twice more, until Eli realizes it is the Lord calling Samuel. Eli then instructs Samuel to respond with the very words:

"Go and lie down, and if He calls you, say, 'Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.'" (1 Samuel 3:9)
It is worth noting that this encounter with God marked a turning point in Samuel's life, launching him into a role as a prominent prophet and leader in Israel.
You know me. I must bring the great saints into as many episodes as possible. Why? Because they were great examples brought to us.
St. Augustine: "To pray is to talk to God. To listen to prayer is to hear God." This quote beautifully echoes the two-way nature of communication expressed in the phrase. When we open ourselves to listening, we are actually engaging in a conversation with the divine.

St. Teresa of Avila: "Let nothing disturb you, Let nothing make you afraid, All things are passing, God never changes. Patience obtains all Things. Who has God has nothing to want For. God suffices." St. Teresa emphasizes the importance of inner peace and quiet openness to hear God's voice amidst the distractions of life.

St. Ignatius of Loyola: "Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you." This principle highlights the balance between surrender and active participation in God's plan. Listening to God's guidance equips us to take action in the world.

St. Francis of Assisi: "Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; Where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; To be understood as to understand; To be loved as to love; For it is in giving that we receive, It is in pardoning that we are pardoned, And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life." This prayer beautifully embodies the spirit of service and surrender at the heart of the phrase "Speak Lord for your servant is listening."

St. Mother Teresa: "The Lord never calls anybody who does not answer. He never sets a task that cannot be accomplished. He never forsakes the one who trusts in Him." This quote expresses trust and confidence in God's guidance, a key foundation for receptivity to His voice.

Humility and receptivity: Recognizing our dependence on God and opening ourselves to His word.
Active listening: Not just waiting for instructions, but engaging in a dialogue with God.
Trust and obedience: Accepting God's guidance and willingness to follow His will.
Service and action: Listening to God's word leads to practical action in the world.
God calling out in a time of trouble: At the time of Eli he was having problems and desperately needed Gods assistance and God went to Samuel and not Eli. Very telling isn’t it? Could we have other sin our lives that God may choose to speak directly to instead of us? Yepper! The young prophet Samuel in the Book of 1 Samuel (3:9-10). In that story, Samuel repeatedly hears God's voice calling him, and finally responds with these words, leading to a significant encounter with the Lord. Therefore, the phrase carries a historical and spiritual weight, connecting the speaker to a lineage of prophets and followers who have listened and responded to God's call.

5. Readiness to Act: Now this is a big one. While initially expressing openness to hearing, the phrase can also imply a willingness to act on God's message. It signifies a readiness to follow God's guidance, even if it leads to unfamiliar or challenging paths.

Overall, "Speak Lord for your servant is listening" is a powerful expression of faith, humility, and openness to God's guidance. It is a declaration of trust and a commitment to listening and responding to the divine presence.
I want you to listen to a good priest who explains this Master servant relationship better than me and so I will end as I usually do and go out and convert someone. Good Day.