If he had not been sold into slavery by his own brothers, would Joseph have been able to save his family from famine? If he had not returned to Assisi in disgrace as a failed knight, would Francis of Assisi have encountered the Lord in the Chapel of San Damiano? If St. Therese of Lisieux had not endured harsh treatment in her convent, would her reflections in “The Story of a Soul” have the same power?
If we have faith, there will come a time when the words of St. John Henry Newman speak powerfully to us: “God has called me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another.”
This is the universal call to holiness described by Lumen Gentium in the Second Vatican Council. It’s a recognition that God created each of us with a unique set of gifts to help sanctify the world.
However, when we offer these gifts to the world, we don’t always get the response we expect. It happens in the Church too. We thought we were called to ordained ministry, but it didn’t work out. The parish our grandparents worked so hard to build is consolidated. Not enough volunteers step up to keep your favorite ministry going.
How do we respond? If we follow the example of the saints, we trust that the Holy Spirit will find a way. We stay engaged. We find Jesus in the sacraments. We study the faith to clear our clouded intellect. We pray like St. Francis, asking God: “What do you want me to do?” And we serve the people of God even when they disappoint.
A mature response to God’s call combines Joseph’s faithfulness to the commandments with St. Therese’s patience and St. Francis’ creativity. It follows the Holy Spirit, prepared to serve whether in the parish, in our family, our workplace or our community. It also recognizes service should sanctify us just as much as the world. It’s not just about the work we perform. It’s also about developing our character so our families, friends and communities can encounter Christ through us.
If we have been baptized, we can be confident that God calls all of us to serve. Let’s respond to that call by renewing our commitment to grow in faith, worship and prayer. Let’s respond by taking an opportunity to grow in service in parish life. Let’s respond by asking God how he wants us to make him known to our family, workplace and community.
Finally, whatever happens in our service, let’s take to heart these words of St. John Henry Newman regarding God’s plans for us: “He has not created me for naught. I shall do good; I shall do his Work. I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place, while not intending it if I do but keep His commandments.”
Northwest Catholic magazine — April/May 2024