Lectionary Reflections
Ordinary 15
by Lanie LeBlanc OP


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?


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.

(Comments to Lanie at lanieleblanc@mindspring.com.)