The Scripture readings for this Sunday concern our vocation. In the
first reading from the book of Amos, the response that Amos gives as
he is being thrown out of Bethel for prophesying reminds us that our
vocation is a God- initiated call. I understand vocation to mean our
put-the -bread-on the- table vocation as well as our common vocation
of preaching the Good News.
In the selection from the letter to the Ephesians, we are told that
we have been "blessed in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the
heavens" and granted adoption, redemption, and forgiveness. We were
chosen "so that we might exist for the praise of his glory" and
"were sealed with the promised holy Spirit which is the first
installment of our inheritance." Those things should help us in our
vocation.
The selection from the Gospel according to Mark relates Jesus's
sending out the Twelve two by two with both authority and
instructions of what to take and what to do. Understanding this plan
seems pretty straight-forward for all of us as we live our baptismal
promises in whatever "job" we are doing. Following it is another
thing as we strive to get it right !
The knowledge, education, skill, talent, knack or extra-something
special that each of us has often propels us toward success in life.
Real success happens when we attribute whatever "it" is to God who
gave it to us or made it possible for it to develop. How we choose
to use that something special is often our choice or so we think.
Real success happens when we stop checking our plans out with God
and rather first try to discern where God wants to use us in the
Master Plan. We can do this more easily IF we recognize that not
only do we have every spiritual blessing and the promised holy
Spirit but that we have been granted the status of adoption,
redemption, and forgiveness. I remember trying to teach my children
that they need not fear following what their hearts told them was
the right thing to do or be, because God, their Abba-Daddy, owned
everything and was the King of kings.
Somehow though, we all head out on a job or mission or to follow our
dream, hopefully in accordance with God's Plan or at least not in
direct opposition to it. Jesus's plan for the Twelve included a
companion. To me, that means that each of us needs a trusted friend,
a "sounding board" so that we can stay on the right track.
Each of us has been also given the authority to preach prophetic
words by virtue of our baptism in whatever circumstances we find
ourselves, in a family, secular job, or as a worker in the church.
We need to do this "job" by depending on God rather than external
things. Having that kind of extraordinary trust I tried to instill
in my youngsters seems to be more difficult now as adults of their
age or mine rather than twenty-five to thirty years ago.
It seems that such trust does not stay stable but varies with many
factors. Life experiences often beat us down so we feel less than a
child of the King of kings. Our choices are not always the best and
so we often second-guess ourselves when new choices arise. The most
difficult time, I think, is when it becomes clear that our "job"
just isn't working well. In this Sundays' readings, moving on is the
instruction of choice, but in other readings, perseverance is
advocated. No wonder we do not always "get it right" !
The answer for me in times of painful angst is to pray and sometimes
even to beg for a continuance of trust. I need to trust when it
seems that a good thing is not remaining as the best thing. I need
to trust when it seems that a great thing is becoming God's second
choice for me. Do I stay and try a new approach or do I "shake the
dust" and move on?
(Comments to Lanie at lanieleblanc@mindspring.com.)
I need to rely on that "sounding board " or circle of wise friends
to reflect what I feel and what God's best path might seem to be.
Then I need to wait and continue to pray. When I am at peace, that
is, when I genuinely feel that God's hand will be in either decision
I make, then it is time to act. One of those wise people in my
personal circle of friends once reminded me that God will help us
after any decision, objectively good or bad, if we trust that He
will. I guess that is part of "every spiritual blessing". May each
of us rest in such confidence... and continue to speak prophetic
words.