A number of years ago, I was on an overseas trip, and the taxi-driver from the airport was giving me a bit of a tour of the city. We passed the university, and he said "You Westerners... you love your books."
"Here, what we do matters more than what we read."
A powerful statement - especially to a graduate student.
I had a lot of time to think and pray in the coming days (I was hiking), and his comment stayed with me. It was a bit of an epiphany for me, as I started pondering how to better apply my book knowledge in more practical ways... ways that the words became action, not just theory.
I think this is exactly the type of thing that today's readings are inviting us into: using our knowledge and experience for action; to advocate for true faith, to answer the call of service, to be bold in responding to what is right in the name of God.
We start with Samuel's famous response to God's call "Speak, for your servant is listening."
Now, this is a lovely statement on its own, one that we could all aspire to. But when we take it in the context of the rest of the book, we can be shocked at how strong and bold a statement this was from Samuel. Eli, the priest, has been described as a terrible leader - he's stopped listening to God, he doesn't pay attention to the needs of the congregation, he doesn't stop the bad (and I mean BAD) behaviour of his sons - it's too awkward and uncomfortable, easier to let them continue theft and assault. And yet: to this person, the care and teaching of Samuel is given.
And what a reaction: for God immediately calls him; a powerful call to do what is right. And while it is brave and powerful for Samuel to reply to the call with a "Here I am, Lord!", it is also powerful and faithful to note how Eli responded. He knew that even though he no longer listened for God, God was still speaking; and that in allowing Samuel to reply to God, he would unseat himself as the priest, thereby changing the whole patrilineal system and structure of the temple.
And, of course, we all know Samuel as one of the great leaders. Big changes can happen: when we listen to God, and reply in faith: but it takes more than words, it takes faithful action.
The fact that Samuel was not of noble birth or of the "house and lineage" of Eli is important for us to note, too; as it highlights that God's blessings and callings are not restricted to bloodline. It's not about who you are, or who you know: it's about how you respond to God. Because God assures us that we are made for a holy purpose: the psalmist elaborates on how God knows us all perfectly, even better than we know ourselves, because that is how God made us. I love the imagery of being knitted together in the womb - anyone who has ever watched knitting knows that it is a precise and careful practice. Humans knitting know that one careless moment can lead to a significant effort in undoing and re-doing to make it right. But God doesn't make those mistakes: God is careful and intentional about how we are created, and for what we are created. And created we are: by God, for a purpose: for action.
In the passage from Corinthians, Paul shifts from his previous focus on our individual place in the Body of Christ to a more shared responsibility. We, together, are the body of Christ. As such, what we do that glorifies God is celebrated by all. But: the shadow to that: if one member of the body of Christ sins against God, it is felt by us all. And this is a cautionary tale we can all learn from: the self-serving actions of one can have a negative impact on others.
So, in his ultimate call for unity, Paul is inviting the church to act in unity: to take action together for the sake of the church. He relates the intimate nature of the body and God: and he sees how the church has not been respecting that relationship. So he writes this letter as a corrective measure: letting the people know that what they are doing with their bodies is not a faithful response to the call of Christ, even if there's nothing technically illegal about it under the law of the land.
Paul uses his words to highlight room for improvement, and asking the church to take action. After all, it's not about Paul coming in to correct the situation for them; he is empowering them to clean their own house, so to speak.
And our Gospel passage today is all about action. Jesus comes to Galilee to seek out Philip - notice he FOUND him, he didn't casually bump into him. And again, with that focus on action, these two have a grand interlude: Follow Me. Now, if this were just a chance crossing of paths, I would imagine that having some guy walk up and say "Follow Me" would result in Philip saying "um... no thanks, buddy." After all, this is the Gospel, not a spy thriller. Normal people don't just walk up to strangers and say "Follow me".
But Philip hears Jesus - really hears the call of God - and so he follows him. Not only that, but having been changed by the experience, Philip goes to find someone else - in this case, Nathanael. And Nathanael's seemingly comfortable in how things are going, so he dismisses Philip - "can anything Good come out of Nazareth?" We can almost hear the disdain and rejection in his voice.
What a perfect time for Philip to get involved in a debate, in a carefully crafted speech about Jesus: but instead, he invites Nathanael to action. "Come and See." And Nathanael is able to encounter Jesus in a way that is - well, amazingly powerful and poignant and meaningful; for them, and for everyone who has heard the story. What faith, commitment, and conviction Nathanael displays as he has his "come to Jesus" moment. And the rest of his life is one of active service: no excuses, no loopholes.
Isn't it lovely how much faithful response can happen when we open our hearts and minds and lives to the call of God?
So here are some questions for us to ponder this week, in light of these readings...
1. How is God calling you? Are you being called to defend the faith, to stand up against oppressive behaviour, to lead others to the faith, like Samuel?
2. How will you celebrate being made by God? God who knit you together in your mothers' womb, as the psalmist sings, did so for a purpose. How can your life reflect that glorious calling?
3. How does Paul's call for corrected behaviour speak to your heart? How does that inspire action this week?
4. How do you intend to follow Jesus this week? Who will you tell of your most recent encounter with the Divine?
And finally - going back to that lovely taxi driver's comment about words and actions: What are you going to do this week that shows your faith? How will your actions - what you DO - matter more than the words you hear and speak?
It's much to ponder - and much to pray on. But I hope that you will take some time for it, responding to our God 's call to follow, as God's children, despite loopholes or discomfort, answering God's call to action with a firm "Speak, Lord, for your Servant is Listening."
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