"Answering God's Call: Embracing His Purpose and Presence"... by Fr. Patrick Etuk, MSP ...Today, as we mark the Second Sunday of Ordinary Time, we are presented with two powerful stories that remind us of the call of God in our lives. The first reading tells us of the call of the young Samuel, and the Gospel recounts the call of the first disciples of Jesus. These stories offer us valuable insights into the nature of God's call and the role of mediation in our journey of faith. In the Old Testament, we encounter Samuel, a young boy who heard the voice of God in the stillness of the night. In a world where prophecy was scarce, Samuel was attentive and open to God's call. The Scriptures remind us that God never ceases to speak; we are often the ones who are too distracted to listen. Samuel lived in the presence of God and loved that presence deeply. Unlike the other sons of Eli, he did not defile himself, rather, he consecrated himself to God's service. This...