In both the first reading and the gospel we have stories of calls, the call of Samuel in the first reading and the call of the Apostles in the second. In neither story are those called able to recognize and respond to the call of God on their own. In the stories of Samuel, he needs the help of Eli. In John’s version of the call of the Apostles, John the Baptist points two of his apostles to Jesus, and one of the two, Andrew, goes and gets his brother Simon (Peter).
These stories remind us that God created human beings to be social, and the Church to be communal. Yes, there is always a very personal dimension to faith, but true Christian faith is never individual. This is the truth behind the often misrepresented phrase “Outside the Church there is no salvation.” Human beings are created to be in relationship with God and with one another. We need one another.
These readings also challenge each of us to examine our words and actions and ask, “Do my words and actions draw others to Christ?” We are all called to be Eli, to be John and Andrew. Not just in exceptional moments but in the everyday, people should find in us an attractive example. And we should be constantly looking for opportunities to help those around us recognize the action of God in their lives.
Samuel needed Eli, Andrew needed John, Simon needed Andrew. It’s really very simple.
