sermon excerpts: "Out of the Dark"

It is in the still moments that God is best able to speak to us. When we’re not so distracted or multi-tasking. Which is why personal prayer and times of silence are so important. And prayer not being about a shopping list of care and concern and requests, but time for hearing what God’s will might be for us.

For Samuel it was in the middle of the night. A lot of things happen that cause us to pause and rethink. There is something about the night time, of sleeping and vulnerability that is disquieting and distressing for someone with an active imagination.
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Samuel had to speak to the flaws of the leadership of the time: how Eli's sons "skimmed from the top" off the people's sacrifices. Just another instance of government corruption, scandal and lack of integrity in our leaders.
Our past continues to haunt us and the actions of those once connected to us, historically and politically don’t seem to go away. Which is a reminder that we must be as faithful and loving with all the days we have been given.
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Those who have faith believe without seeing. Or hearing. Each person's relationship with the divine is intensely personal. That is where the path of discernment lies. We need to confirm that what we experience is actually the case. That is why we have committees and community, neighbours, friends, family.
Samuel needed encouragement to listen to God. And that is what Eli did. And it was also at his urging that Samuel moved from the dark of night into the light of day. Things look much different in the light of day than when the immediacy of night visions have faded.
We need to encourage others to speak their truth even if it means that we too will be challenged. Just like Eli. If we were to support those around us, especially our youth; we would have much to learn, as Samuel had much to say to Eli. Some of it will be what we’re doing wrong in church, in our efforts. But we have to be open to hearing it.
God calls us to difficult things and surrounds us with the people and resources and opportunities to get it done. I see the upcoming when I'm on parental leave as a period of real opportunity to explore ministry and expression of personal faith in a community setting.
What will it take for us to say to God, “Speak for your servant is listening”? We surrender to the quiet of the night, the coming of God’s voice. We look to act in the day. Let us listen, let us speak, let us love.