Men's Rosary

We are familiar with the “call” that people receive to the priesthood and religious life.  We are  glad that many heed the call and serve God and the church.  But what about the call to serve that is for everyone?  All are called to serve and preach the good news.  Unfortunately, the call is not heeded, and the work is not done.  It really is easy to go to church, to pray, to attend seminars and small group meetings.  And we associate this with being  “good Christians” and doing God’s work.  Probably so but at a very basic level.  If we are not evangelizing, we are really not doing God’s work.  If we are not missionary in nature, we are not being true disciples.  Boldness is needed in our faith life.  People tend to be bold in their work, sports, political opinions, and the like.  But for many, you would never know if they had any faith at all unless you asked them!

I believe that most of the time this stems from two things.  One, the feeling of not being worthy or qualified to serve, and the other, fear of “what people may say.”  To the first point, it is good not to feel worthy or qualified because those are the ones Christ called.  “While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.  And he said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.”  Immediately they left their nets and followed him.”  (Matthew 4:18-22)  What do two fishermen know about serving God?  Nothing, most likely, but the fact is Christ called them, and they responded.  “After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth.  And he said to him, “Follow me.”  And leaving everything, he rose and followed him.”  (Luke 5:27-28)  What did Levi (Matthew) know about serving God or preaching?   He had no idea.  More importantly, he responded and followed.

To the second point, we need not fear what others think or say.  It is not about them; it is about God.  We were not created “for” others.  “God made me to know him, to love him, and to serve him in this world, and to be happy with him forever in Heaven.”  (Baltimore Catechism)  This is where a bold faith is necessary.  To know who we are and what God asks of us in our daily life.  After all, life is not about us, it is about God.  There are many who do not understand this and it is a duty to let people know.  We are called to love and there is no greater act of love than to bring someone to Christ and the Church.  Those immersed in the world will push back and defend their way of life, even if they know it to be wrong.    “Indeed, all who wish to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and imposters will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” (2 Timothy 12-13)    To live a life in service to God will challenge those who are not, this is all part of evangelization and missionary discipleship.  This is a reaction on their part and not an indication not to serve the Lord.  “For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and will not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.”  (John 3:20)

God will work in us.  When we are called, let us not ask “Who am I to serve? Rather, let us  respond “Yes Lord, show me the way.”  Christ called common people who possessed boldness, a willingness to act.  Whatever we lack in skills or knowledge, God will provide.  We simply need to show up for work and follow divine instruction.  Do not let insecurities or fear stand between us and serving God.  God will work in us if we are open and willing to serve.  “Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power.”  (Ephesians 3:7)

“God never calls a person into his service without equipping him.  I know this from experience.”  (Billy Graham)