GROW AS A DISCIPLE
Peter, understandably, responded to Christ’s foreshadowing of his death with shock and horror – insisting that Jesus would not suffer and die. But Christ’s words to his disciples taught them all to respond with humble obedience, trusting in the mission of God without fully understanding it. And Jeremiah in the first reading felt that God had “duped” him. Perhaps the message here is to expect the unexpected when taking on a life of holiness. In my own vocations of marriage, motherhood, and teaching, I regularly encounter challenges and surprises. As disciples, when we discern the will of God in our lives and choose to live according to his will, we do so not because we know all that it will entail, but because we know and trust the One who calls us. We are not promised an easy life, but we are promised abundant life. God calls us to a life of holiness because he knows that is what will bring us fulfillment and peace.
GO EVANGELIZE
In the process of discernment, we consider our gifts and talents, humbly reflect upon what is needed to build the kingdom of God, and listen carefully in prayer to the voice of God. We have the immense gifts of Sacred Tradition and Scripture to facilitate the “renewal of [the] mind” (Rom 12:2) as we allow our minds and hearts to be transformed by God’s will. And in humble obedience, we must be honest with ourselves about whether we are fully open to God’s call, even when it is contrary to our plans. When we believe with our entire being that we are living according to God’s will, we will not be able to remain quiet or live in a mediocre way. Just as Jeremiah was unable to keep himself from speaking on the Lord’s behalf, the Good News of Christ will come pouring forth from our being in everything that we do. And in this outpouring of God’s love, we will give others the opportunity to encounter Christ through us.
REFLECT
Spend some time this week considering the vocation to which you are being called. Reflect upon how you can grow in trust of God to depend upon his care and guidance as you serve according to his will. Although our specific call may be challenging and may seem overwhelming, we can trust in the promise that following God’s will leads to a life of joy and peace.
By The Faithful Disciple