The Beauty of Christian Vocation!

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sunday, January 14, 2024

1 Sam 3: 3-10, 19; 1 Cor 6: 13-15, 17-20; Jn 1: 35-42

The Biblical characters that we come across in the readings today help us reflect on our vocation. We find three compelling insights from their lives and responses.

1.Vocation as God’s Initiative and Human Response:

Our vocation comes from God. Hence, if not for God’s initiative, our vocation cannot flourish. This is made clear in the first reading. God’s grace is witnessed in Samuel’s vocation. Though Samuel is an ordinary boy who is seen struggling to distinguish between God’s call and that of his master Eli, God deposits His hope in him as one who would lead His community after Eli. God sees not only what a person is but also who the person can become. The same message is reinforced in the call narrative of Peter, in whom Jesus saw not just a Galilean fisherman but the rock upon which His church would be built. 

Another dimension of God’s call is to take the first step toward those He wants to call. It is true in two instances: in the first reading, we find God calling Samuel repeatedly, uttering His name four times. In the gospel, the initiative of Jesus begins with the fundamental question, ‘What are you looking for?’ Jesus recognizes our inner longings and, through his question, directs us to get in touch with what we want. 

Though such vocation narratives reflect God’s initiative, they do underline the fact that our vocation will not be complete without the free and willing response of those who are called. Samuel’s response reveals his willingness. He says, ‘Speak Lord, your servant is listening.’  In the Gospel, the disciples enthusiastically respond to Jesus’ invitation to ‘come and see.’ Simon Peter responds to the invitation extended by his brother Andrew when he says to him, ‘We have found the Messiah.’ 

When God takes the initiative to call someone, His commitment is full and complete. On the contrary, human response is often mediocre and dull. How do we treat God-given vocation: with willingness or indifference? Let’s reflect!

2. Role of Mentors in Fostering Vocation:

Our vocation is also fostered by mentors and guides. If Eli is Samuel’s mentor and guide, helping him recognize the voice of God, John the Baptist performs a similar function by helping his disciples follow the Messiah. Eli and John the Baptist stand out in two ways. 

At first, in what they do, both Eli and John point beyond themselves. Both of them understand their roles as facilitators. It is their humility that allows them to point beyond themselves. 

Secondly, they are both ready to occupy roles that would render them less important and insignificant. Yet there is no jealousy in both while pointing to the Lord. 

As humans, we know well that there is nothing harder than to take second place when once the first place was enjoyed. But such nobility was possible in Eli and John because of their virtue of humility. The vocation cycle is circular. The momentum should not stop with us. How do we help spin the wheel of vocation in our society and families? Do we help out and encourage youngsters to identify and follow the Lord? Or do we compromise our responsibility to be lighthouses to straying boats? Let’s reflect.

3. Vocation as the Responsibility of Those Called: 

Vocation is about discipline and hard work. An example is found in the second reading, where St. Paul urges the people of Corinth through his insistence on sexual morality. 

Our response to vocation often depends on whether we understand it positively or negatively. If our vocation is positively understood as a beautiful responsibility, then it is very likely that we consider our familial and societal responsibilities as opportunities to grow in love. Our positive approach enables us to suffer for love.

Rather, if we consider our vocation burdensome, then no relationship will have any meaning, and all that will remain will be bitterness and grumbling. 

The biblical personalities teach us how to respond to our vocation, how to foster it, and how to behave responsibly as people who are called. 

Let us pray for God’s grace to be inspired by their example!

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar