All the baptized have a calling in God's world. God calls not just the clergy but also the youngest child, like Samuel. The story of the calling of Nathanael plays with the idea of place. Nathanael initially dismisses Jesus because he comes from Nazareth. But where we come from isn't important; it's where—or rather whom—we come to. Jesus refers to the story of the vision of Jacob, who called the place of his vision "the house of God, and ... the gate of heaven" (Gen. 28:17). Jesus says he himself is the place where Nathanael will meet God.
—Sundays and Seasons, Year B 2015
Looking for last-minute music for the Second Sunday after Epiphany? Perhaps you are planning “Samuel Listens” by John D. Horman for your children’s choir, as suggested by Sundays and Seasons.
Included in Sing the Stories of God's People: Thirty More Songs for the Youngest Singers, published in 2010 by Augsburg Fortress, “Samuel Listens” is also available in the Prelude library for instant download. Mary Nelson Keithahn (writer) and John D. Horman (composer) of Sing the Stories of God’s People, include the following performance note: “The phrase, ‘Samuel, Samuel, Samuel,’ in measures 13-15 (repeated at the end of each stanza) lends itself to echo-singing. Sing each ‘Samuel’ and have the children echo it. When the children can sing the whole phrase correctly, ask: Which ‘Samuel’ starts on the highest pitch? (#1) Which starts on the last pitch of the one before? (#2) Which starts on the lowest pitch? (#3) Which two end on the same pitch? (#2 and #3) True or false: All three start on one pitch and go down in pitch? (False)”
May the light of Christ shine in your music ministry during this time after Epiphany and throughout the year.
