He Called the Twelve
I remember the day I was called and asked to consider becoming a deacon. I remember when I was called to marriage and later to family life ministry with my wife, Sandee. We all have these calls in life which send us off in new directions, totally unplanned. The disciples were called by Jesus when they were busy with their work of fishing, tax collecting and other enterprises.
In this week’s Gospel Mark 6: 7-13 twelve disciples after travelling with Jesus, as he taught in towns and villages along the way, are called and sent in mission with strict instructions. From my experiences, I believe this was not part of their plan for themselves.
Each of us is called by Jesus in unexpected ways, often when we least anticipate it. Just as the disciples left their nets and booths to follow a path unknown, we too are beckoned to step into the unknown with faith. Reflecting on my own life, I never envisioned becoming a deacon or embarking on family life ministry with my beloved wife, Sandee.
These calls reshaped my life in profound ways, leading me down roads I never thought I'd travel. This week’s Gospel reminds us that being sent on a mission by Jesus comes with both challenges and blessings. It requires trust and a willingness to embrace the journey, knowing that it is in these unplanned moments that we often find our true purpose.
Calls often come in the disguise of negative circumstances: the loss of a job, the transfer to a new location, a realization that a path is not right for you, the loss of a loved one, the onset of illness, the breakup of a relationship. They are unplanned calls that we didn’t anticipate.
Yet, these calls are Jesus’ way of leading us to growth and development. They challenge us to adapt, to find strength within ourselves, and to trust in a bigger plan for our lives. Through these experiences, we are molded into who we are meant to be, discovering new strengths and deeper faith. Embracing these unexpected calls allows us to witness the profound ways in which Jesus works in our lives, guiding us toward our true purpose and ultimate fulfillment.
Recently I received a call within a call, as St Theresa puts it. At the ripe age of 68yrs, comfortable and cozy as on an easy chair, in my home parish, I was called to travel to a new parish and take on additional duties. The call was intimidating, but answering in the affirmative has meant stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing new challenges. It has required me to trust in God's plan and to rely on His strength more than ever before.
This experience has brought unexpected blessings, making new friends, deepening my faith, and allowing me to serve a new community. Through this journey, I've discovered that even in the later stages of life, God continues to call us to growth, service, and deeper communion with Him and others.
Maybe you are going through such difficult circumstances, I urge you to interpret it as a call from Jesus. A call to growth and development, leading to a new life filled with deeper meaning and fulfillment. Not without challenges but drawing on strengths, talents and courage you may not have realized you possess. Embrace it!
NOTICE BOARD
Friends, Good News! We are growing our Life Transitions program, inviting new members to journey with us as we explore the call of changes in our lives. Come journey with us as we interpret the changing circumstances in our lives. Click on the link below to take you to the program.
Thank you, Deacon for this positive and uplifting insight it is true. that it is so hard to see a difficult circumstance as a call to follow our life purpose. Follow Jesus but there’s no other way to see it since God is good and our true nature is love.