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Meditation

In Scripture we find some recurring themes.  “Do not be afraid,” the angel says to Mary.  (Lk. 1:30.)  Imagine yourself doing chores around the house and turning around to find an angel.  Who wouldn’t be afraid?  Picture the disciples tossed about at sea while Jesus sleeps on a cushion at the stern.  “Why are you terrified?” Jesus asks when they wake him up. (Mk. 4:37-40.)  He even had to ask?  In the Old Testament, God tells the youthful, tongue-tied Jeremiah, “Have no fear,” and sends him off as a prophet to the nations. (Jer.1:4-8.)  No fear?

God has a plan for each of us.  Even if we think we have things figured out, we may be surprised.  Mary was about to get married and probably had all of the thoughts of brides-to-be today, looking forward to life with her husband, having children, and making their dwelling a “home.”  The angel left Mary with a message that threw everything into turmoil. 

With Jeremiah, we have no indication of whether he had concrete plans for his future.  God wanted him to be a prophet.  The call to priesthood, the diaconate, or consecrated life can come at any time.  Like Jeremiah, we might try to talk God into sending us to meet some other need some other way.  We might try to talk ourselves out of believing that God really wants us to serve in Church ministry.  God will continue to invite, no matter how many times we decline.

Then we have the disciples, who suddenly found themselves in a life-or-death situation out on the water.  Even in our lives today, things may be going along smoothly when illness, an accident or other life-altering event occurs.

We all have a vocation, but how do we discover it?  Jesus isn’t walking around these days.  Angels don’t usually make personal appearances.  Still, God comes to us through the Eucharist, prayer, and the people and circumstances of our lives.  He is with us through joy, confusion, fear, and faithfulness.