Throughout the
four Gospels we hear Jesus telling his disciples, and through them us, to go
out and cure the sick, cleanse lepers, drive out demons and raise the dead. But
what the Gospel writers left out was the part about raising our kids,
cherishing our spouse, doing our best at our job, and being present to our
relatives and friends and the people we serve.
Curing the sick
and driving out demons are valuable skills, especially in today’s economy. But
serving God as a sister, a priest, a brother or a deacon are also wonderful and
loving vocations. No less wonderful, no less loving, however, are the vocations
of being a parent, a spouse, a sibling, a friend. Our vocation in life is right
where we are, right where God has planted us.
It takes faith to
cure the sick, and courage to drive out demons. But it takes faith, courage, love,
and stamina to raise a child to adulthood; to be a lifelong best friend and
sweetheart to a spouse; to be a loving relative, friend, worker, or boss. These
are the vocations in which God has planted us. The harvest of our vocation is
abundant. That harvest is love.
Yes, curing the
sick and driving out demons are spectacular achievements. But channeling God’s
love in everything we do and in every relationship we have, that’s a vocation.
My sisters and
brothers, the harvest is abundant in our everyday life.
……………………………………………………………………………………..
Readers
of this blog might enjoy these books by Deacon Lex. Both are available on
Amazon.com:
Just to Follow My Friend: Experiencing God’s Presence in Everyday
Life
Synchronicity as the Work of the Holy Spirit: Jungian Insights for
Spiritual Direction and Pastoral Ministry
