" Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord." |
We read: “Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.” Another translation reads it: “At that time Samuel was not familiar with the LORD, because the LORD had not revealed anything to him as yet.”
“… did not yet KNOW the Lord, … not yet been REVEALED to
him.” Knowing about someone or some thing is not the same as knowing them
personally.
The response the elder Eli makes, has some interesting
insight for today’s elders concerned for their younger one’s faith – an
approach that might help us. To be concerned for the state of our young
people’s faith is a valid one and must never be written off. The obstacles to
the development of a practical faith by young people today are enormous and
complex. It is vital for the elder generation to be there for the younger
generations to be there with guidance and encouragement as was Eli for Samuel.
Now we must not think that we are more concerned for the
faith of our young generations than is the Lord. God is calling, to be sure, and
I believe God has a plan for this generation and the next, already working. It took
a couple of wakeup calls before Eli was able to recognise that God had a plan
for Samuel, and what his role was to be. Just so for us elders today. How does
God want us to cooperate in his plan for our young generation?
Here are some suggests
·
Do not judge them or condemn their lack of
religious practice – rather be discerning – think of Eli’s affectionate tone
when he said: “It was not I calling you my son …” Let your concern be seen as
love.
· Realize that God is already working within them,
speaking to their hearts, preparing them.
·
Be models of a living faith which demonstrates the
reality of a living faith in a positive light.
·
Look for the signs, the openings that they may
give you, and encourage them to keep seeking.
·
Tell them to go directly to God, in the midst of
the confusing values surrounding them and trying to influence them today.
·
Pray for them without ceasing. Dedicate them to their Mother Mary.
|
.
No comments:
Post a Comment