Topical
Commentary
Looking at the Sunday
Readings through Different Lenses
Vocations
Come and See
It is with the account from the Gospel of St. John of the Master’s invitation (“Come and see”) and of the disciples’ acceptance (“So they went and saw where he lived, and stayed with him”) that I wish to begin because, of course, Jesus Christ is the only real reason we exist. He is the One who calls and the One who empowers us to respond to his call; he is the end for which we strive; he is the means to that end; without him, we can do nothing; with him, nothing is impossible. Everything we embark upon is for, with, through, and because of Jesus Christ…
Here is the key to our spiritual growth: a faithful, personal, loving relationship with Jesus. As Karl Rahner writes, holiness is “participation in the intimate union between Father and Son, led by the Spirit.” Jesus Christ is the way to accomplish this through the truth he teaches and the life he imparts.
SOURCE: Dolan, Timothy M., Cardinal. Priests for the Third Millennium (pp. 162). Our Sunday Visitor.
VERSE BY VERSE COMMENTARY
Verse 3b: “And the lamp of God was not yet extinguished, and Samuel was sleeping in the temple of the LORD where the ark of God was.”
In this verse, the lamp of God signifies the divine presence and the readiness to encounter God.
Similarly, in vocational discernment to the priesthood and religious life, individuals must be open to the presence of God and His calling. The Catechism of the Catholic Church emphasizes the importance of discernment, stating that “it is the responsibility of Pastors to encourage, support, and assist vocations, particularly those which involve the choice of a particular state of life” (CCC 2248).
Verse 4: “The LORD called to Samuel, who answered, ‘Here I am.'”
The call of the Lord to Samuel reflects the personal and unique nature of discernment.
When God calls, individuals must respond in obedience and openness. As St. John Paul II taught, “The discernment of vocations is above all the fruit of an intimacy of divine friendship” (PDV 45).
Verse 5: “He ran to Eli and said, ‘Here I am. You called me.’ ‘I did not call you,’ Eli answered. ‘Go back to sleep.’ So he went back to sleep.”
Samuel’s response to the call is initially misdirected, yet his willingness and readiness to serve are evident.
In vocational discernment, there may be moments of confusion or misunderstanding, but individuals should persist in seeking guidance and clarity. As Pope Francis highlights, “Discernment is a path of purification” (YD 172).
Verse 6: “Again the LORD called Samuel, who rose and went to Eli. ‘Here I am,’ he said. ‘You called me.’ But he answered, ‘I did not call you, my son. Go back to sleep.'”
Despite the confusion, Samuel persists in responding to the call.
This persistence echoes the importance of perseverance and trust in the discernment process. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that “perseverance in discernment is essential” (CCC 2715).
Verse 7: “Now Samuel did not yet recognize the LORD, since the word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him.”
Samuel’s lack of recognition speaks to the gradual unfolding of God’s plan in discernment.
It is a process of seeking and growing in understanding, guided by prayer and counsel. As St. Thomas Aquinas wrote, “Vocational discernment is not made once and for all, but it is a continuous process” (STh II-II, q. 189, a. 10).
Verse 8: “The LORD called Samuel again, for the third time. Getting up and going to Eli, he said, ‘Here I am. You called me.’ Then Eli understood that the LORD was calling the youth.”
God persists in calling Samuel, and with the guidance of Eli, Samuel begins to recognize the voice of the Lord.
In vocational discernment, mentors and spiritual directors play a crucial role in helping individuals recognize God’s calling. The Catechism affirms the importance of spiritual direction, as “spiritual guidance is an essential help in developing one’s vocation” (CCC 2347).
Verse 10: “The LORD came and stood there, calling as before, ‘Samuel, Samuel!’ Samuel answered, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.'”
In this moment, Samuel not only recognizes God’s voice but also responds with receptivity and surrender.
This attitude of openness and docility is essential in vocational discernment. As St. Ignatius of Loyola wrote, “To put into practice such a major decision demands deep prayer and much self-examination” (ES 191).
Verse 19: “As Samuel grew up, the LORD was with him, not permitting any word of his to be without effect.”
Through his fidelity to God’s call, Samuel experienced God’s guidance and support throughout his life.
This verse highlights the fruitfulness and fulfillment that comes from responding to a vocational call. The Catechism reminds us that those who “discover their vocation to a particular way of life… are called to seek God’s will in their life” (CCC 2258).
Verse 35: “The next day John was there again with two of his disciples.”
John the Baptist is present with his disciples, who have chosen to follow him as their teacher.
This can be seen as a parallel to the process of vocational discernment, where individuals seek guidance and formation under the guidance of spiritual mentors. As St. John Paul II said, “The vocational journey is like a journey in trust, in hope, and in love, guided by the Holy Spirit.”
Verse 36: “As he watched Jesus walk by, he said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God.'”
John the Baptist recognizes Jesus as the Lamb of God and points his disciples towards Him.
In the context of vocational discernment, this can signify the role of spiritual directors or mentors who assist individuals in recognizing their calling to priesthood or religious life. As theologian Thomas Dubay wrote, “Good spiritual direction helps to manifest God’s plan and facilitates its implementation.”
Verse 37: “The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus.”
These disciples hear John the Baptist’s proclamation and respond by leaving him and following Jesus.
Similarly, in vocational discernment, individuals hear the call of Christ and are drawn to follow Him in the path of priesthood or religious life. As Pope Francis said, “Vocation is a call that involves the innermost core of the person, it is a gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Verse 38: “Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, ‘What are you looking for?’ They said to him, ‘Rabbi’ (which translated means Teacher), ‘where are you staying?'”
When Jesus interacts with the disciples, He asks them what they are seeking.
This moment of encounter is significant in vocational discernment, as individuals are prompted to reflect on their desires and motivations. As St. John Paul II noted, “Vocation is a gift that carries with it a deep desire of the heart that is awakened, attracts and fascinates.”
Verse 39: “He said to them, ‘Come, and you will see.’ So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon.”
Jesus invites the disciples to come and see where He is staying, allowing them to spend time with Him and experience His presence.
Similarly, in vocational discernment, individuals are encouraged to deepen their relationship with Christ through prayer, spiritual direction, and immersion in the life of the Church. As St. Teresa of Ávila wrote, “Mental prayer in my opinion is nothing else than an intimate sharing between friends.”
Verses 40: “Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus.
Andrew responds to encountering Jesus by immediately seeking out his own brother Simon and inviting him to join in the discovery of the Messiah.
This highlights the role of personal witness and ensuring that others are aware of the call to priesthood or religious life. As Pope Francis stated, “Vocations are born within the Church. By her varied testimonies, she nourishes the seeds of priestly and religious vocations.”
Commentary above was generated by artificial intelligence before being adapted, formatted, reviewed, and edited for accuracy. If you find any errors please use contact box below. Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission.