GOD CALLS

by Sister Loretta Finn

Most of us at one time or another have received a word or a call from God and we were unaware of it.   It may have been in a time of personal crisis, at a retreat or during prayer time. 

In the Old Testament we read about Samuel’s call. (Samuel 3:1-14, 19-21.) As a child, Samuel served at the tabernacle, ministering to God with the priest Eli. He was a faithful young servant who had God's favor. One night God spoke to Samuel while he was sleeping, and the boy mistook the Lord's voice for Eli's. This happened three times until the old priest realized God was speaking to Samuel.

Now Samuel did not yet really know the Lord.  But, when the Lord called the third time, Samuel again went to Eli  and said, “Here am I; for thou didst call me.” And Eli perceived that the LORD had called Samuel. So, Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down.  If he calls you again, say: “ Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth.” So Samuel went and lay down. And the LORD came again and called as at other times, “Samuel, Samuel.” Then Samuel answered, “Speak; for thy servant heareth.”

 

As with Samuel, we sometimes struggle with a call from God, sometimes with discerning the exact origin of this call, inclination, or overwhelming sense of direction.  We also probably are aware of times when a call came, and we ignored it or were not ready to receive it.

Just as the call came to Samuel, so it comes to us, for several reasons, in many ways. Are we ready to hear it? Are we willing to respond?

Sr. Loretta's Magnificat

 MY MAGNIFICAT

In the 50’s, when I was at St. Gall, my spiritual director asked me to write my own MAGNIFICAT.  What a wonderful experience that was.  I reflected for some time on my spiritual life and what nourished it.  Basically, it was Eucharist,  Scripture, Mary’s “Yes” and the indwelling presence.

Mary’s “Yes” has always been an important part of my spiritual life.  One day, when I was bringing Communion to parishioners in Christ Hospital, I found in the Gift Store a beautiful “Annunciation” statue.  This was perfect for my prayer table.

My devotion to the “indwelling presence” began when I was in grade school at our SSCM boarding school in Beaverville.  This devotion overflowed into my teaching career as I taught children how to go to their “heart rooms” to pray to God. 

So, after much reflection and prayer, I wrote my MAGNIFICAT. I now share it with you.

 MY  MAGNIFICAT

My morning song

is a hymn of  praise to

Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Your WORD, O God,

becomes my bread.

In EUCHARIST I’m fed.

Mary’s “fiat”

of long ago

is mine today.

 

A “yes” to the past--

a letting go--

free at last.

A “yes” to the present--

Jesus Incarnate

 in every event.

A “yes” to the future--

as yet unknown,

hidden mystery.

             

O source of Life,

Three in One,

Your Kingdom Come!

Father, Son and Holy Spirit

Thou in me and I in Thee--

                          ETERNALLY!

At times, saying “yes” to the past has been most challenging—letting go.                                    And, at other times, the “present”—what’s going on in my life each day. Saying “yes” to the future will always be here.

Yes, my special devotion to Mary is living out my “yes” as she did.

                                                                                                Sr. Loretta Finn