Hearing God's Call

Hearing God’s Call

From last Tuesday’s letter:

“Next week we will look at God’s Call from the perspective and hope and trust.”

Amos answered Amaziah, “I am not a prophet, nor do I belong to a company of prophets. I am a herdsman and a dresser of sycamore trees, but the LORD took me from following the flock, and the LORD said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’ Now hear the word of the LORD." (Amos 7:14-16a) 

Amos is one of my favorite prophets. Amos was a prophet of the southern kingdom of Judah in the 8th century B.C. and was a contemporary of Hosea and Isaiah, both prophets of the northern kingdom of Israel. Though we don’t know the age of Amos, we know he was a “full grown man” and not a youth like David when he was called, because his age was not an issue for those who heard him speak. Both Hosea and Isaiah were called by God when they were about 30, so it is safe to say that Amos may have been about this age.

Amos was a “herdsman and a dresser of Sycamore trees” when he was called. By Amos’ words, it doesn’t seem as though he was praying to God to become a prophet, God simply called him. In the same way, Mary was minding her own business when the angel Gabriel appeared to her announcing God’s call. What do Amos and Mary have in common? Hope and trust.

Hope and Trust. Hearing God’s Call

Devotion to God was easier for the children of Israel than for us. Indeed, devotion to God is easier for many people around the world than it is for us. My experience is that technology and ease of life have an adverse effect on the journey of faith. As a people of the "first world," we don’t spend much time reflecting on the meaning of life or our need for God. We are pulled (or we allow ourselves to be pulled) in so many directions that the cosmic questions just don’t seem pertinent. We know who we are and that is enough.

The ancient peoples of God and many of our contemporaries around the world live quite differently. Their focus is more reflective and urgent, and their faith is encompassing and real. I say real, not in the sense that our faith is fake, but that they are defined by their faith personally and publicly. They know themselves beginning with their faith and their whole lives flow from their devotion to God.

In Uganda, the people would call to me with the greeting, Mukama Asiimwe!--"Praise to the Lord!” and then ask me as the opening to our conversation, “What has God done for you today?” Later, in every conversation, there was a moment when a casual reference to the Call of God was recognized as the foundation of the day's journey.

Amos and Mary were devoted to God and attentive to their lives through God in every way. As with any devotion, the devotee moves quickly from neophyte (novice) to learned practitioner, and perhaps eventually, Master. God spoke and chose Amos and Mary because they were devoted and ready to receive a call by virtue of their openness to God. Hoping for God to be made known to them throughout the day and trusting in their journey with God as companion, Amos, Mary and so many others easily heard the Call. 

So, do we have to move to Uganda or some place like it to hear the Call? Do we need to renounce most everything, give up YouTube, Netflix and Walmart? While doing these things wouldn’t hurt so long as they restore and center you, they may not be necessary.

Our readiness to hear God’s call begins with our openness to God’s presence in every aspect of our lives. If giving up Netflix would help, then by all means kick it to the curb. Only you know what is standing in the way of your spiritual ascension. Once you enter into a relationship of hope and trust you will be that much closer to hearing the silence of God.

Next week we will learn how to hear the voice of God.

Listening faithfully,

​Fr. Bill+