Hearing God’s Voice
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying,
"Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?"
"HERE I AM, I said; SEND ME"
As I reflect on this conversation I
know I have heard the Lord speaking
to me in a variety of ways.
Sometimes it is through signs and symbols,
through scripture, in prayer, a homily or
voice of another. However, I must admit
I do not respond quickly to the question
"Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?
There is an uncertainty, a fear of what is ahead of me.
What will I need to give up?
What and who will I encounter if I say:
"HERE I AM " "SEND ME"
I know I am not alone with these questions.
I remember the call of Moses.
Moses heard his name called and responded,
"Here I am", however, he did not reply
"SEND ME" immediately, rather he answered saying:
“I am nobody. How can I go to the King
and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11)
He “wrestled” with God with so many excuses until
finally, God won.
However, God did assure Moses of a constant presence.
Do I identify with Moses at times?
What is God saying to me these days about my calling?
Where am I resisting who I really am?
When I recall the Annunciation, even Mary
questioned the angel: "How shall this be?"
The angel responded "Do not be afraid Mary,
for you have found favor with God." (Luke 1: 30)
Do you believe God has found favor with you?
"I have called you by name. You are mine” (Isaiah 49:16)
Many call narratives in the bible we read
of objections, fear reassurance and confirming signs:
"Do not be afraid, for I am with you" (Jeremiah 1:7-8)
"Do not be afraid of them or their words….
As he spoke the Spirit came into me and
raised me to my feet" (Ezekiel 2:6-7)
The truth of calling means that for followers
of Christ EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE, EVERYTHING
lives the whole of life as a response to God's call.
The challenge is to join with the birds of the air
the lilies of the field, the towering trees, the gentle breeze,
the roaring sea and all people of our God and King to respond
"HERE I AM" I say "SEND ME"