Like Amos, we may say, “I’m no prophet.” I am a parent, a spouse, tradespeople, a nurse, I work in banking, or in retail, but I’m no prophet. Jesus’ disciples probably thought, no, not me, I’m only a fisherman, and I have a family to care for. Jesus’ critics said, “He’s only a carpenter, where does he come off with these bold words?”
What about us wants to play small and deny our destiny? Our purpose is nothing less than to bring the good news. Do I lack confidence in myself? Do I Fear the critics? Alternatively, are we just too busy and would rather not bother ourselves? We might even think, “I like my life the way it is, don’t challenge me to live differently even if it is for a higher purpose.” Then I return to my mundane life where my only excitement comes from stimulants and various forms of entertainment rather than high purpose. Moreover, in the end, I wonder, “Is this all there is to life?”
If we choose to respond to the prophet’s calling it should not be rooted in our own obsessions and prejudices from the right or left. Our actions must arise from a profound self-understanding, freedom, and integrity and be motivated by love. When Jesus sent out his disciples two by two, he had prepared them by his example of placing love before correction, parables instead of easy answers. He sent them out in pairs to ensure that they would be held to account. In a relationship with the other, they would develop tolerance of weakness, mutual respect, and faithfulness to their promises, and collaboration.
In the selection of new clergy, Pope Francis has said he wants shepherds who smell like the sheep. “The emphasis is on going out to others to accompany them in their life’s journey, and being in close proximity to them.” The people need to know that the doors of the Church are always open and the mercy of God is always available. “But more than that, we should not wait for people to come to us where we are, but like the shepherd who goes out to find the lost sheep, we need to be going out to encounter people where they are, in the circumstances of their lives and situations.”
And not just the clergy but also all the people of God are to be missionary disciples that go out to the peripheries to help people encounter Jesus. “Following Jesus means learning to come out of ourselves… in order to go to meet others, to go towards the outskirts of existence, to be the first to take a step toward our brothers and our sisters, especially those who are the most distant, those who are forgotten, those who are most in need of understanding, comfort, and help.”
This is a noble calling whose impact is not measured by earthly standards; instead, success is according to the enthusiasm and devotion of the doer who is actually engaged in the building of the Kingdom for the ages to come.
You must be logged in to post a comment.