St. Mary's Parish - Prince George

ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC PARISH
STEWARDSHIP

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PART 5

In our reflection on Stewardship, we continue to focus on the call, or vocation that we receive. Last week, we took time to reflect on the fact that we are called as individuals, each with our own unique gifts and talents. However, we are called to be part of a community as well, and we have certain rights as well as responsibilities as members of the community of faith.
We are free to respond to the call either in the positive or negative. We can say �Here I am, Lord�, or we can say �No, thanks.� (See the story of the rich man in Matt 19)

It is all well and good to say that we are called and to know that we have responded to the call. We must remember that Jesus not only calls people to himself, but then he forms them and sends them out in his service (see Matt. 10:5ff, Mark 6:7ff, Luke 9:1ff.). Being sent on a mission is a consequence of being a disciple. Whoever wants to follow Christ will have much work to do on Christ�s behalf � announcing the good news and serving others as Jesus did.

Jesus� call is urgent � he does not call us and tell us to follow him sometime in the future, but here and now � in these circumstances and at this moment. As we hear the call, we must decide what our response will be and how we will fulfill the mission Jesus gives us.

This call or vocation to follow Jesus comes to us through our baptism. For those who are baptized as adults, the call to follow Jesus might seem quite clear. For most of us, baptized as infants, we may not necessarily recognize that we are indeed called as disciples. It is up to us to take the time to listen attentively and to discern openly to that we may hear Christ�s call, understand it and respond to it as he wishes for us to respond.

How aware are you of the call to be a disciple of Jesus? Do you see it as a personal call?

What are the consequences of the call for you in your daily living (how is it lived out)?