2024-01-08 00:34:21
Dear friends:
The Advent-Christmas cycle has ended. Another time begins: Ordinary Time. As its name indicates, there is nothing “special” regarding it: it is not the time of great parties, it is not the time of great celebrations… it is the time of “the hour that does not shine” in which life is built. . So, quietly. That is why Ordinary Time is also an important time, from its discretion. If Christmas is the time of Bethlehem and Easter is the time of Jerusalem, Ordinary Time is the time of Nazareth…
To begin this time, the Gospel presents us with a precious passage. It is the one in which Jesus, leaving his town, begins his task: announcing the Good News of the Kingdom. “The deadline has come, the Kingdom of God is near: convert and believe in the Gospel.”
And to begin this enterprise, Jesus begins by “hiring workers.” It would seem more prudent perhaps to have matured the project or the strategies more… or to have made a more careful selection of personnel… And yet, Jesus launches himself to personally call those he sees: Peter, Andrew, James, Juan… There will be time to mature, there will be an opportunity to guide the task. Now it’s time to start. And for this he associates some so that, with Him, they can carry out God’s will.
Today, in our Church, Jesus continues to call. Because the work He began is not yet completed. The seed has already been sown, but its effect has not yet reached everything or everyone. That is why Jesus continues to call today. To all, to live the new life that He inaugurates (“convert and believe in the Gospel”). And within that common call, He calls some to live like Him, in poverty, chastity and obedience, in community of life, serving others: consecrated people. To others to preside over the Eucharist and the community, with word and life: the ordained ministers. To others so that, living in all corners of the world, they may evangelize with his presence, with their work, from the family and from their presence in society: the lay people,
Vocational ministry is an urgency in our Church today. Because Jesus continues to need hearts and hands so that the Kingdom of God reaches more hearts and more corners of our world. From the common call that is expressed in baptism, each of us will later be called to our own path, according to our qualities, our history… and according to his will. And that call continues throughout life in a continuous dialogue, to respond to what life poses.
And you, do you already know what Jesus wants from you?
And if you know, how are you living it?
Your brother in faith:
Luis Manuel Suárez CMF (@luismanuel_cmf)
1704675771
#Gospel #Reflection #Homily #Monday #January