D ISCERNMENT I N T HE F ORMATION O F FUTURE PRIESTS IN A TRANSISTION PERIOD : AN EXAMINATION OF THE VOCATION OF SAMUEL (1 SAM . 3.1-10).
The passage of our consideration narrates the ‘call of Samuel’ and how the priest Eli guided him to properly decipher the voice of Yahweh and disposed him to the vocation and mission that Yahweh would assign to him and how he on his part made a final and definitive response to his Vocation in a transition period in the life of the Jewish people (1 Sam. 3.1-10). His formation has an enduring implication for the Jewish nation by providing a necessary guidance and needed unique identity in the Ancient world upon which successive generation continue to build on. This passage is still relevant today as we celebrate the Silver Jubilee of our seminary and examine the theological relevance of priestly formation in this third millennium, prospects and challenges. Therefore, a proper examination of this passage will help candidates to the sacred priesthood present themselves for proper formation that has a transforming effect for the work of evangelization to which God is calling them. However, without proper disposition and opening of self to true discernment which is the action of the Holy Spirit, in the humble efforts of the Formators, who like Eli, should help the candidates to decipher and discern the true voice of God calling; it will be difficult to achieve the desired result, which is furthering the kingdom of God on earth.
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