Passing the Faith
Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. 1 Samuel 3:7
Dear People of St. Peters,
Grace and peace to you. Good morning. Isn’t today gorgeous? The leaves on the trees are fully out and spring flowers continue to bloom. May this day be a blessing for you.
In tomorrow’s Hebrew Scripture reading, young Samuel hears a voice calling – “Samuel, Samuel!” Three times Samuel mistakes the voice as coming from Eli, his teacher and priest. The third time, Eli realizes that it is God who is calling Samuel. But Samuel “did not yet know the Lord.” So, Eli instructs Samuel that the next time he hears the voice, he should respond, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” Samuel goes on to become a prophet and anoints David, the first king of Israel.
Tomorrow is Youth Sunday! The children and youth of Saint Peter’s will be leading worship – from writing the prayers of the people to ushering to giving the homily. We will also recognize our Sunday School teachers, and everyone who has given of themselves to young people at Saint Peter’s this past year. Passing the Christian faith to rising generations is critical ministry.
The passage from 1 Samuel reveals to us how elders are essential in helping our children and youth hear God. Children will not know God and God’s claim on their lives without the witness of faithful parents, teachers, mentors. While God is always speaking, children need their community to help them recognize how God is working in their lives. We are the ones who must ask our children, “Where have you seen or heard God today?” and freely share how we experience God.
Just as Samuel needed Eli to help him recognize God’s voice, our children need elders to grow in Christian faith. We do this well at Saint Peter’s with a vibrant Sunday School and youth program, opportunities for children and youth to serve, and adults who care for children. I am grateful for our commitment to children and youth and their faithfulness and leadership with us.
I look forward to seeing you tomorrow as we witness and celebrate the faithful leadership of children and youth and give thanks for all who have nurtured their faith. And don’t forget to come to the Senior Night at 6 PM when we celebrate graduating seniors!
