DISCERNING VOCATION
Meditation
for Monday of the 4th Week of Easter
Discerning God’s call and discovering one’s vocation in
life is not usually easy and straight forward. Being close to God or living a
righteous life does not automatically imply one can be flawless in interpreting
God’s call. If it is so for the righteous, what will become of the ungodly and
the sinner? (Cf. 1 Pet 4:18). Some people have taken up ministries, marriages,
etc, only to discover along the way that they did not interpret the ‘signals’
properly. This issue is far from being solved since there is no one perfect
method to unlock all vocations. Nevertheless, though each call has its unique
identity and approach, considering the person and the circumstances involved,
the readings of today lay down some principles that can guide one to discern
God’s call properly.
The first reading tells us how God called Peter to minister
to the Gentiles and dine with them. While at Joppa, he saw a vision where a voice
asked him to eat animals, reptiles, etc that Jews ordinarily would not eat.
Peter tried to resist but the voice said to him, “What God has cleansed you
must not call common.” Coincidentally, three men appeared at that very moment
from Caesarea. This was a PHYSICAL manifestation that God was calling Peter to preach
to the Gentiles in that town. Deep within him, he perceived at once that the
spirit was URGING him to follow those men.
Having a dream or vision is strictly a private experience;
it is not enough for one to conclude and act on the message therein as God’s
will. Apart from the physical manifestation and the strong urge, Peter had
another signal: Cornelius’ vision was in line with that of Peter. This helped the
apostle to discern in favor of the vision since the experience is now more than
a private issue. He discovered that God was calling him out of his myopic
understanding of salvation. God’s call always takes us out of ourselves; it is
never selfish. Having discerned in favor of God’s will, Peter began to preach
to the Gentiles. However, he continued to discern even in process of his
ministry.
Peter saw the hand of God at work as he carried out his
vocation. He said, “As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as
on us at the beginning.” This was the final signal that convinced him that he
was on the right path. Peter described his work as cooperating with God, and
allowing God’s grace to flow through him. So, in discerning our vocation, we
think in favor of God’s will, His glory and Kingdom. And the will of God comes
alive in Jesus Christ.
Therefore, our vocation becomes our way of following Jesus,
the Good Shepherd. Jesus said, “I am the door of the sheep…if any one enters by
me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture…I came that they
may have life, and have it abundantly.” The choices we make to fulfil our destiny
in life should be weighed through the righteousness of Christ, and be carried
out in favor of His glory. Then, we shall find fulfillment and be fed in
greener pastures. Amen.
Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Lagos.
Monday May 9th, 2022.
