Jesus Calls Each of Us by Name For A Mission

01-17-2021Weekly ReflectionFr. Tony Okolo CSSp

The call of Samuel in the first reading demonstrates how God calls each of us individually. Just like Samuel who wasunaware of God’s call at the beginning, we too maybe unaware when God is calling but with patience, steadfastness, focus,open heart and mind we can recognize His voice in our lives. Just as Eli pointed out to Samuel that it was God calling him sotoo we can recognize God’s voice when we pay attention and listen to our parents, teachers, priests and those God hasplaced to look after us. As He called Samuel by name for a particular purpose so also God calls each of us by name for acertain mission and purpose He wants us to do. Samuel responded with “speak your servant is listening” when he realized itwas God calling him. How I am open to hear God’s voice and how ready and disposed I am to do God’s work He may becalling me for? How can I make myself available as to say with confidence like Samuel, “Speak Lord your servant is listening”.

In the second reading Paul reminds us that we are temples of the Holy Spirit and as such we should maintain the sacredness of our body since we are created in the image and likeness of God. The sacredness of the body begins with the purity of mind and heart. This can be done through controlling what we read, see and hear. We are created in the image of God and therefore God lives in us and since God is Holy and lives in us we should treat our bodies with dignity and respect for our bodies to be a place of God’s abode

In the Gospel the disciples of John the Baptist leave him for Jesus when John points Jesus to them as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. John the Baptist points to Jesus as the Lamb of God, demonstrates that Jesus is not only consecrated and set apart for a Divine mission but also that Jesus’ life will end in sacrifice to save others. It was this declaration by John that made the apostles respond with urgency in following Jesus. We are also reminded of the urgency to embrace Jesus call as an important aspect of our life as Christians. On leaving John the disciples wanted to know where Jesus stays and Jesus simply told them to come and see. It means come and experience for yourself who I am. Come and see for yourself. Thus, instead of the apostles going to see the place they went and stayed with him.

The invitation to come and see given by Jesus is the same as saying discover who I am by yourself. Jesus is inviting each and every one of us to discover whom He is by a personal experience and encounter. This personal encounter comes from spending deeper time with Jesus in prayer, visit to the Blessed Sacrament and scriptures. This would require the steps of seeking, staying, finding and dialoguing with Jesus who is the Lamb of God.

The encounter in the Gospel teaches us that people who would come to know Jesus ought to share the testimony of their encounter of Jesus with other people. It is by sharing this experience that we can bring people closer to Jesus as Andrew did. Therefore, let us be convinced and committed in sharing the testimony of our faith with others because in so doing we listen to Jesus command “Go therefore and make disciples of nations. Mt 28:19.

May God bless you and your family especially as we step into this New Year. Fr. Tony Okolo CSSp

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