Memorial of Saint Monica
Every one of us has a calling, and yet how often do we take time to consider what that means. Although we might consider our calling to be the same thing as our vocation, I wonder if the idea of being called is broader than we might imagine, and therefore might have a much greater impact. Today’s readings remind us that no matter where we are and whatever we do, all that we have are gifts from God to be shared for His glory.
In the first reading, St. Paul reminds his readers that God chooses the lowly, the weak, and foolish to bring his message to the world. As I reflect on the history of God’s relationship with humanity, so many of the great leaders in our faith believed that they were not capable of living out God’s call. David was a youth. Jeremiah was young and thought he was incapable of being a prophet. Moses was hesitant to believe he could lead God’s people. The apostles were a scrappy group of fishermen, tax collectors, and commoners that Jesus chose to be his appointed few. It was not that these individuals were stand outs to the world around them, but through their faith and trust in God’s word, these chosen were able to accomplish great things. St. Paul reminds us that it is God that provides the wisdom, righteousness, and redemption. In no way, can anyone claim that the amazing impacts occurred because of human strength or prowess. True faith and trust in God leads us to realize that everything we accomplish comes from God. God deserves all of the recognition and praise.
God provides the gifts to each of us for our individual calling. According to Jesus in today’s gospel reading, these gifts are given to every person “according to his/ her ability.” In order to use these talents, it is important for us to recognize that we have been given these gifts and gratefully recognize that they come from God. I know that there are many times when I question what gifts I have and how they should be used. Prayerfully discerning how God is calling us in our daily lives helps us understand the ways we are being led to serve. Sharing in the “master’s joy” occurs when we faithfully step forward and allow our time, treasure and talents to be shared and therefore multiplied in our daily lives.
As I listened to a recent podcast, the discussion arose about the early Christian church and how it thrived and grew in the midst of the oppression of the Roman Empire. These every day people lived deeply “in Christ”. They answered the calling that had been extended to them, and their actions were framed by compassion, forgiveness, humility and love. This was in stark contrast to the world around them and this made them stand out. Their radical lives attracted others to follow and because of this great numbers were added to the communities.
These early Christians realized that their calling involved being more than a fisherman or tax collector. “God used the lowly and the despised of this world” to help build the Kingdom on earth. As I look around our world today, what would happen if each Christian considered his or her calling and began to allow Christ to be the foundation for his or her life? What if mercy, love, forgiveness, generosity and humility were central to everything that a Christian disciple would do? How could this make Christians stand out and impact the world around us in remarkable ways?
God is asking each of us to consider our calling and recognize Christ in us and among us. By seeing Christ in all things- all people and all creation, and by being Christ to all around us, we can make a difference. Like the early Christians, we can have an impact on the world around us, however this transformation can only occur when we humbly understand that we are nothing without God, and then trust God to do great things in us.
Loving God, you call us to root our lives in Christ. May Your Spirit guide us to have the wisdom and courage to live radically with love, mercy and peace as the basis of all we think and do. May our lives give you glory as we place our trust in You. We pray this in Christ’s name. AMEN
Marylynn Herchline