Learning to Listen - Part 1

What are we witnessing in this archetypal story?First, why do I refer to the story as “archetypal”?– archetypes have to do with basic themes planted in the human mind• familiar themes are revealed in the heroes, heroines, and villains of fables, myths, and fairytales◦ these characters represent specific qualities that define human persons and their behavior◦ including: virtuous, courageous, clever, creative, wise or foolish, industrious or lazy• the plot of the stories, and the actors differ from culture to culture,◦ but the qualities are universal, so we recognize when they’re pointed out to us– in this story of Eli and Samuel, the archetypal theme is similar to the “the sorcerer’s apprentice”• it doesn’t follow specific rules, because Eli was a priest and not a prophet◦ but he was familiar with prophecy and could give Samuel basic instructions• so first, after a delayed response, Eli discerns what is happening to Samuel◦ he is able to explain to the boy that God is calling to him◦ and, then he instructs him how to respond to receive God’s message