When we come across different call narratives in the Bible – there is this stereotype called Call-narratives. It is always God who takes the first step. It is God’s initiative and He has a plan for each one of us. All those who are called are picked up from where they are: often busy with their own routine work. They are always given a specific task. There is always a feeling of inadequacy in the people called and they try to escape. Finally, there is the reassurance from God saying that He would accompany ‘the called’ till the end. The following are some of the characteristics that would be visible in a person called by God:
Readiness to do God’s Will: This is the greatest desire of Jesus: to do the things that pleased the Father (Jn. 4:34; 5:30; 6:38; 8:29; 15:10; 17:4; Lk.1:38; Acts 5:32). The spiritual person is one who walks by the Spirit. Holiness is not an achievement but a growing self-surrender to God. It is not a moral perfection to be acquired but an emptiness before God who fills you. The person is ruled by Grace – like Our Lady. But, like her we have to “let go”. Let God take control of my whole life. I become a person of faith, discernment, actively searching for God’s Will (Phil. 1: 9-10).
Fr Richard Mascarenhas SJ
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