Readings: 1 Samuel 3.1-10,19-20; Psalm 40; Mark 1.29-39
The young Samuel answers the call and enters into his prophetic ministry. Because the Lord was with him, his words had their effect, as the Lord's word itself always achieves that for which it is uttered. Jesus is at the beginning of his public ministry also and we are given more information about the effects of his speaking - the sick are healed, demons are cast out.
Both are preachers, commissioned to speak, accredited prophets. The demons on the other hand, although bearing witness to who Jesus is, are not allowed to speak. What they say is true but they are not in right relations with God, the source of truth, and so they must stay quiet. Once again truth is more than brute fact, it is not just information, it has a moral and a spiritual significance also.
Samuel is in right relations with God - before he speaks he listens in prayer. Likewise with Jesus, we are told that prayer is as much a part of his 'typical day' as is the work of healing and exorcism, as is his engagement with the forces of evil, as is the preaching of the gospel.
As missionary disciples we are to be 'accredited prophets' also, men and women who speak effective words of healing and liberation. But that is only possible if the Lord is with us - as he always is - and if we are with God - that is less certain. So the prophet or preacher must be, first and always, a listener, one who spends time with the Lord in prayer, receiving in their own heart and mind and life what they are then called to share with others.
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