“Here I am Lord” reveals purpose when it’s heard. It is our response to God’s call and our way of saying “I will follow You, I am focused on Your will, and I am here to serve You.” In the Bible, six courageous men: Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Samuel, Isaiah, and Ananias, responded to God’s call and answered “Here I Am”.

Samuel, who was the youngest of these men, was working for Eli. It was late at night when he heard a voice calling his name and he responded “Here I Am”, but Samuel thought it was Eli and went to him. Eli sent Samuel back to sleep. After this occurred several times, Eli realized it was the Lord who was calling to Samuel. Eli instructed Samuel to answer by saying, “Speak Lord, for Your servant is listening”. Samuel, who was humble, willing, and had a servant’s heart, was eager to respond to this call. Samuel received his call to ministry by the Lord, as a judge and prophet, and his word spread throughout Israel. Samuel’s calling reminds us that God looks at the attitude of the heart, not the status of the called, and seeks those who are willing to act.

Another of these courageous men was Isaiah. Isaiah realized he was unworthy and confessed that he was a sinner yet knew he was here for a specific purpose when God made him. In Chapter 6: 8-13, Isaiah writes, “And I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?’ and Isaiah immediately followed with “Here I am! Send me”. It’s a beautiful answer to God’s call as Isaiah wanted his purpose to be the Lord’s. He didn’t wait to hear what the Lord would say but immediately said “Yes” without hesitation to God’s plan for him.

History is full of men and women who have answered God’s call to serve. This year, the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of El Paso’s guest speaker at the 17th Annual Foundation of Faith Event: Here I Am, Lord will be Fr. Chase Hilgenbrinck. An American soccer player who walked away from his professional career to serve God. He shares his story about trusting God’s will and what happens after God calls an athlete away from their sport. Fr. Chase is sure to inspire, motivate, and move you as he shares his testimony in answering God’s call to the priesthood! The 17th Annual Foundation of Faith Event: Here I Am, Lord will be held on Thursday, September 7, 2023, at the Starlight Event Center from 5-9 p.m.

The Foundation of Faith Event aims to bring the community together to celebrate our Catholic faith. This event raises funds through sponsorships, ticket sales, donations, and an exciting live auction. Proceeds from this event support the work of the Catholic Foundation in sustaining the long-term needs of our diocese through the work of the Catholic Legacy Fund, the Catholic Foundation’s endowment program. We would be honored for you to join us! Visit FOFEVENT.ORG to find out more!

Also, to learn more on how to support our future priests, who have answered God’s call, visit: Seminarian Education Fund or contact Tony Herrera Jr. Major Gifts Officer at 915-479-9100 therrera@catholicfoundationelpaso.org

Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?” “Here I am,” I said; “send me!”