In the reading for today, Paul tells the Ephesians about the
unique gifts God has given each so that they might fulfill God’s plan. Just as it was for the Ephesians, it is up to
each of us to discern what God is calling us to do with those gifts. This is a
lifelong process, not just the call to a certain profession or way of life, but
the many calls within that profession or way of life and the calls in all our
activities and encounters with others.
Sometimes I find it easy when things seem to fall in place
and the “call” is quite clear - it is like I am being led and “all” I have to
do is follow. These are not necessarily simple things to do, it is just that
the clarity of the call seems to be in bold letters. Other times, I find myself
struggling to sort out what the real call is. Lately, I see so many
possibilities and I am struggling with what the real call is; none are in
capital letters to guide me.
I think part of the struggle is related to getting older and
knowing that I will not have time to do everything. It also comes from the
regret for not always following the call to serve God in a more intentional and
complete way. In a way I am like the fig tree in today’s gospel. I would not
say that my life has been barren, but I know that there was much more fruit I
could have borne had I been open to the call from God to serve his people.
I visualize Jesus as the gardener, interceding on behalf of
the fig tree. If I am going to produce good fruit, I have to be open to the
care and love from Jesus. Unlike the fig tree, I cannot just be passive. I have
to actively listen and choose to respond to the call.
Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.
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