This past weekend a group of people on retreat made a one-year commitment as Holy Cross Associates (now called Spes Unica Associates). They promised to grow spiritually, create community, and serve others. Our vocation is a call from God. As Christians, we do not say that we create our own meaning, but we say that we discover it. That discovery involves letting God in Christ become the center of our hearts. It involves letting God show us the meaning and the purpose for our lives. It is also our task to discover the gifts and develop and use the gifts that God has given us in order to have a fulfilling life. Our call is not given to us in isolation. It is also connected to others and to the situation in which we find ourselves. Like in a puzzle we are one piece that is placed in God’s overall plan.
Sometimes, we are not aware of what God has in store for us. We might not realize the significance of the trials and detours that come our way. Only in hindsight can we begin to understand that during times of suffering and doubt God was with us through it all. As the painting of the footsteps in the sand, we feel that we are going it alone—it is then that we begin to know that in those times God was carrying us. St. Paul says, “It is not I that live but Christ who lives in me.”
Jesus calls, “Come follow me.” If we follow his invitation, we will have an amazing life.
- Have you had an experience of God?
- Has God in Christ invited you to follow him?
- Has being a Christian added meaning and purpose to your life?
O God, help me continue to answer your call.