To What Work Are We Called?

Prayer-Soldier · Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2020 6:41 pm Post subject: To What Work Are We Called?

To What Work Are We Called?

Scripture:

And in those days, the number of the disciples increasing, there arose a murmuring of the Greeks against the Hebrews, for that their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve, calling together the multitude of the disciples, said: It is not reason that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look out among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word. And the saying was liked by all the multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip and Prochorus and Nicanor, and Timon and Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles: and they praying, imposed hands upon them. And the word of the Lord increased: and the number of the disciples was multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly. A great multitude also of the priests obeyed the faith.
(Acts 6:1-7)

Unto whom coming, as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men but chosen and made honorable by God: Be you also as living stones built up, a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore it is said in the scripture: Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious. And he that shall believe in him shall not be confounded. To you therefore that believe, he is honor: but to them that believe not, the stone which the builders rejected, the same is made the head of the corner: And a stone of stumbling and a rock of scandal, to them who stumble at the word, neither do believe, where unto also they are set. But you are a chosen generation, a kingly priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people: that you may declare his virtues, who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:
(1 Peter 2:4-9)

Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God: believe also in me. In the house of my Father there are many mansions. If not, I would have told you: because I go to prepare a place for you. And if I shall go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself: that where I am, you also may be. And whither I go you know: and the way you know.

Thomas said to him: Lord, we know not whither you go. And how can we know the way? Jesus said to him: I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father, but by me. If you had known me, you would without doubt have known my Father also: and from henceforth you shall know him. And you have seen him.

Philip said to him: Lord, show us the Father; and it is enough for us. Jesus said to him: Have I been so long a time with you and have you not known me? Philip, he that sees me sees the Father also. How say you: Show us the Father? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in me? The words that I speak to you, I speak not of myself. But the Father who abides in me, he does the works. Believe you not that I am in the Father and the Father in me? Otherwise believe for the very sake of the works. Amen, amen, I say to you, he that believes in me, the works that I do, he also shall do: and greater than these shall he do.
(John 14:1-12)

Reflection:

God created within each of us a different mix of talents and abilities. This is by no accident, for to accomplish the intentions of our Lord, different tasks must be accomplished by those with various skills. As with any effort, the larger the endeavor, a greater number of skills are required to sustain the effort necessary to produce the desired results. As we share with one another of our skills and talents, the greater the works which may be accomplished. The more hands which work together in synchronicity, the lighter the burden upon the individual members of the team.

The challenge for any person is to identify their place within the effort. Where does their talent fit? Where does their experience fit? Where does their knowledge fit? Where does their faith fit? If the decisions of vocations are imposed on someone by others who do not know them, chances are, the wrong hands will find themselves working on the wrong efforts. Each individual, then, must discern what they are able to do as well as to what God calls them to accomplish.

The question, then, becomes, do we understand the vocation for which God created us? Some are called to tend to the altar while others are called to tend to the less fortunate as well as the efforts in between necessary to nurture lives and enable the prosperity which provides blessings for all the people. There is but One who knows the answer, the Architect of life, but each person, as they grow and mature, must discern to what work they are called.

For some, the call will always remain the same. For others, the call may change as the mix of physical and intellectual abilities change as a result of education, experience, and/or health. For some, they will follow a vocation from their youth. For others, their vocation may change from time to time as God leads them to different endeavors in different places and at different stages of maturity. We do not always see in the moment what our future will hold, but if we endeavor to listen for the Voice within our hearts which calls to us, He will lead us to what He desires we accomplish.

There are many vocations which God has laid out before us, but we must study and learn if we are to perform them. We must also prepare the generations to come to discern what they must do after us. Not all will be called to become priests, but many are needed. Not all will be called to become parents, but many are needed. Not all will be called to produce food, build, or other services necessary to sustain a society; but many are needed. Not all will be called to care for the sick, afflicted, or less fortunate, but many are needed.

In prayer, then, let us ask Him to help us understand the work He has for us to perform and the time in which He desires that work to be accomplished. In prayer, let us ask Him to lead us to the right hands to help us accomplish the endeavors He desires and to guide us in how we may put all hands to their most effective use. In prayer, let us ask Him to lead us to the resources which shall enable teams in which we work and that He will enable us to be responsible stewards of all which God allows us to use. In prayer, let us ask Him to enable our relationships, so that as we work together, it shall not be our will, but His will which shall be done.

As we allow the voice of our Lord to lead us, as we open our hearts to Him to guide us, He will enable us to work together to accomplish what is right and just. Our Savior told us, ?I am the way, and the truth, and the life.? (John 14:6) If we do not listen to what He teaches or to where He calls us, we shall certainly lose our way.

Questions for further reflection:

To what endeavors do we hear our Lord calling us?

In what ways do we look to our Lord to remove our confusion as to the direction He calls us?

In what ways may we follow the Son to the Father?

May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier