Pastoral Ponderings
January 22, 2012
The Kingdom of God is at Hand:
Are We Ready? Will We Recognize Him?
For the disciples in today’s Gospel, they were ready. They jumped on board without hesitation. But ready for what they probably didn’t have a clue, but they still began a new journey with Jesus. The Jews looked toward that moment when the Rule of God would be realized, when the invitation of God would be met by persons willing to give themselves totally in return. They had yet to learn that accepting the invitation would mean more than they thought or expected. It would indeed be the total giving of self to this carpenter from Nazareth.
They would learn to renounce the things and relationships in which they had found their security. Gradual and slow as it might seem, their journey would transform them and the lives of those around them. Little did they realize that they would follow the one who came to serve and not to be served. Travelling deeper and deeper in their relationship with Christ, they would learn the principles of being good stewards of all the Lord had seen fit to put into their lives.
Their conversion to prayer and service would set the pattern for all of us subsequent believers to follow. Multiplying the gifts and resources we have received offered for the common good and ultimately back to God is what it’s all about.
To make any progress on our journey we need continual formation in discipleship. If we allow Christ to form us through the teachings of the church, through scripture study, through public and private prayer, through retreat experiences and learning experiences, our church and world will be a better place. By participating in parish ministries we learn to be of service to others and to strengthen the bonds of charity among us. We learn to be more generous with all of our gifts. Being a disciple who exercises good stewardship is a life-long journey. It’s nice being on the journey with you.
Final Question: Will He recognize us?
-Fr. Larry Martello Pastor
