How are you called to follow God? All three readings from today's liturgy are about call stories. In the first reading we hear about Isaiah's call. He is shaken by the presence of God and feels unworthy to be in God's presence. A seraphim touches Isaiah's lips with an ember as a gesture of God's mercy and forgiveness. Then he hears the call from God, "Whom shall I send?" Isaiah's responds, "Here I am, send me."
St. Paul tells us in the second reading that he was not fit to be called an apostle because he persecuted those who followed Christ. However, by the grace of God, he was called to spread the Good News.
In Luke's Gospel we listen to the call of the disciples. Although they caught nothing after fishing all night, Simon Peter and the other fishermen go back out on their boats to lower their nets at Jesus' command. They caught much more fish than they ever expected so that their nets were almost tearing. Simon Peter fell to his knees and told Jesus to depart from him because he was sinful man. James and John were also astonished by the event. Jesus told them not to be afraid, from now on they will be catching men and women.
Everyone is called to follow Jesus. It does not matter whether you are a sinner, poor, broken, man, or woman. Jesus invites everyone to follow him. He never coerces anyone and many times the call is gentle. Christ calls men and women to follow in different ways. We call these ways "vocations." Some are called to the married life to vow love to another person and raise a family. Some people are called to the single life and serve God in different capacities. Others are called to serve God as a priest or deacon in order to serve God's people in the church. Still others are called to religious life as a consecrated sister or brother.
Married couples may share with others how they met and fell in love. They can be involved in their parish or to other works of service. Women and men religious each have their own call story of how Christ invited them to the Consecrated Life. For me the call was gentle, luring, and happened over several years until I recognized that I was being called not only to religious life, but also as a Sister of St. Joseph. I enjoy sharing my call story with others and gladly do so whenever I am asked. It always energizes me and renews my enthusiasm for this life to which Christ invited me.
No matter which vocation you are currently living or will be called to in the future, it is always for the service of God and others. If you have ever felt a nudge or and inner voice inviting you to a religious vocation, contact me at s.lfusco@ssjerie.org. How are you called to follow God?
Married couples may share with others how they met and fell in love. They can be involved in their parish or to other works of service. Women and men religious each have their own call story of how Christ invited them to the Consecrated Life. For me the call was gentle, luring, and happened over several years until I recognized that I was being called not only to religious life, but also as a Sister of St. Joseph. I enjoy sharing my call story with others and gladly do so whenever I am asked. It always energizes me and renews my enthusiasm for this life to which Christ invited me.
No matter which vocation you are currently living or will be called to in the future, it is always for the service of God and others. If you have ever felt a nudge or and inner voice inviting you to a religious vocation, contact me at s.lfusco@ssjerie.org. How are you called to follow God?
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