25. Samuel: "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening" (1 Samuel 1-3)

Samuel was born as an answer to the prayers of his mother, Hannah, who consecrated him to the Lord from a very young age. He grew up in the temple under the guidance of the priest Eli. One night, while young Samuel was sleeping near the Ark of God, he heard a voice calling his name. Thinking it was Eli, he ran to him three times, until the priest understood that it was the Lord calling the boy.

Following Eli's advice, the fourth time he heard the voice, Samuel responded: "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening." This was the beginning of a life dedicated to being the great prophet and judge of Israel. Samuel learned to listen to the voice of God in silence and to transmit His word with courage to the people, becoming the bridge between the era of the judges and that of the kings.

Samuel's example teaches us the importance of inner silence and availability to respond to God's call. Often, the Lord speaks to us through inspirations, people, or His Word, but we need a heart willing to listen. Samuel's humility in placing himself at God's service from his childhood reminds us that we are never too young to begin a deep relationship of friendship with the Lord and to collaborate in His plans.