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Vocation Meditation -
February 5, 2012
“Let us go to the neighbouring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also.”
Jesus in today’s Gospel offers us a model of how He lived His vocation. Notice the various scenes.
Scene One: Immediately after teaching in the synagogue He responds to a call to go to the house of Peter’s mother-in-law. With gentle compassion He heals her of her fever and she in gratitude responds by preparing a meal for Jesus and His disciples. Compassion and hospitality are two important characteristics for every follower of Christ.
Scene Two: The Sabbath is over at sunset. Now many people bring their sick to Jesus to be cured and He obliges. His vocation is lived out in the midst of the poor and suffering of the world who are especially attracted to Him in their need. A vocation to follow Christ will often be lived out serving those who are most in need.
Scene Three: Very early the next morning Jesus goes out to pray by Himself in a quiet spot. In this setting He can open up His heart to the Father, be quietly refreshed and renewed to continue His mission that day. A vocation is nourished by daily prayer. In opening our hearts daily to God we allow Him to give us whatever we need for serving in His name for that day.
Scene Four: Jesus’ disciples find Him and tell Him that He is expected back in town. He answers: “ Let us go to the neighbouring towns so that I may proclaim my message there also. This is why I came.” His vocation is clearly to bring the good news of God’s love to all peoples.
Reflection: As a Christian am I not called to bear witness in some way to the good news of Jesus Christ for the world? To whom does God want me to go in Jesus name?
Prayer: Lord, I am searching to know how to serve you with all my heart. Sometimes I feel very inadequate and unsure, but I pray that you will show me the way to best serve You in my vocation in life, whatever that will be.
For the full Gospel reading for this Sunday, visit the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops site.