Jesus Calls
“Come after me and I will make you fishers of men.” Christ’s mission to save our world began with an invitation to humble fishermen. He did not begin his ministry in the temple in Jerusalem, or the courts of Herod or even in the Roman praetorium. What did Christ see in Andrew and his brother and James and John as they worked along the Sea of Galilee?
Christ chose these men before they were even known to the world because he knew their hearts. He knew their gifts which would change the hearts and minds of many to repent and follow Christ. Here we are more than two thousand years later, the most populous religious group in the world, which was founded by Christ and these simple fishermen.
Finding Our Way
Do we understand that God knows our hearts and has given us similar gifts? How many of us have taken a career aptitude test to guide us in our job choices? Many of them claim to be the tool we need to choose the right path in life to be successful. Personality tests abound which claim to identify our gifts to ensure successful relationships in work and with family.
But as Catholic Christians we know we can quiet ourselves, turn to God, and ask Him to help us discern the path that will lead us to being with Him and the saints for eternity. Becoming a “successful Catholic” will not always translate to material wealth or freedom from adversity while on this earth. God has given each one of us gifts that will ensure true success; that is if we are open to His voice.
“There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. To everyone the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit. To one is given through the Spirit the expression of wisdom; to another the expression of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit; to another mighty deeds; to another prophecy; to another discernment of spirits; to another varieties of tongues; to another interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit produces all of these, distributing them individually to each person as he wishes.” (1 Cor 12: 5-11)
Using our Gifts
Andrew, Peter, James, and John may have felt the sense of unease so many of us feel as we go through life. But, when the Lord called them, they followed. Endowed with the gifts of the spirit, they went forth and changed the world.
This Advent may we all pray to listen to our Lord’s voice as he calls us to follow Him. Let us ask Him to help us identify our spiritual gifts so that, like Andrew and the other apostles, we will bring ourselves and others to spend eternity in Heaven. Now, that’s success!
