Let us be aware of God's Presence every moment.

Let us be aware of God’s Presence every moment.

It may sound like a worn-out premise that needs no more attention, but if we do not attend to this simple introduction of God’s concern for us we may miss the point of a divine entity.  Perhaps if when we get up from a sleeping period our first thought should be to say hello to the Lord and allow his response to speak back to us.

Of course this and many more articles are suggestions to read more and pray often about Christ and his examples of seeking the attributes of heaven.  We who preach and write have a mandate to display, before the children of God who are yet on a fence, the call to find their faith that just may be balancing on this fence.  

The question that is loud and very often clear asking us to respond to follow Christ whether through religious life or holy orders.  Everyone is not expected to enter these life-giving vocations, but all are called to use their gifts for the kingdom.

Everyone is expected to enter the kingdom.  First Announced to the children of Israel, this messianic kingdom is intended to accept men of all nations.  To enter it, one must first accept Jesus’ word:  (CCC 543).  The word of the Lord is compared to a seed which is sown in a field; those who hear it with faith and are numbered among the little flock of Christ have truly received the kingdom.   Then, by its own power, the seed sprouts and grows until the harvest.  (cf Mk 4: 14). Following CCC 543.

A primary mandate in preaching and writing is to send out an invitation to those who have already had the seed planted or at least are ready to hear and accept the call.   I believe many who are already being primed for this call, by the Holy Spirit, will in God’s time answer to this constant knocking at their hearts.  

Speaking to priests and deacons who have certainly felt this knocking have agreed it came upon them at a time that they were ready for the seed to be planted.  Through the grace of God their journey to a harvest of their own gifts began, and most were never disappointed.

Incorporated into Christ by Baptism, Christians are dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus and so participate in the life of the Risen Lord.  Following Christ and united with him, Christians can strive to be imitators of God as beloved children, and walk in love by conforming their thoughts, words and actions to the mind…which is yours in Christ Jesus, and following his example.  (CCC 1694).

If this sounds like another invitation to enter into an ordained or religious ministry you are correct.  Take a moment and reflect on what may indeed be his call to you!

Ralph B. Hathaway