Have you ever thought about what Jesus left behind in order to come and be with us? He “exchanged heaven for earth, power for weakness, glory for obedience and suffering, success in human eyes for faithfulness in the eyes of God, and life for death.” And why did he make this exchange? So that he could call us to follow him, that we might receive life instead of death, faithfulness ahead of success, glory in the wake of suffering, power in the midst of weakness, and a new heaven and new earth.
Still, it is undeniably difficult to drop our plans, our ambition, our desire, to
respond to Jesus’ call – especially when we are uncertain of what he is calling us to. But that is just what the disciples did – they left behind jobs, family, and homes, in order to be with him. Jesus might not require that same exact sacrifice from each of us, but he does ask for the same willing spirit.
This week, let’s think about what we are most attached to: professions, houses, cars, money, clothing, even children or a spouse. All of these are ultimately not really ours – they belong to God. Join with me this week in exploring how our
attachments affect our calling. You may find this prayer, from St. Ignatius of Loyola, helpful as a tool for dedicating everything to God:
Lord, take as your right, and receive as my gift, all my freedom, my memory, my understanding and my will. Whatever I am and whatever I possess, you have given it to me; I restore it all to you again, to be at your disposal, according to your will. Give me only a love for you, and the gift of your grace; then I am rich enough, and ask for nothing more.
Blessings on the Journey,
Pastor Taeler
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