Ephesians 4: 11 – 16
The gifts [Christ] gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knitted together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.
St John Henry Newman | The Mission of My Life
God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission. I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for naught. I shall do good; I shall do His work. I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place, while not intending it if I do but keep His commandments. Therefore, I will trust Him, whatever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him, in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him. If I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him. He does nothing in vain. He knows what He is about. He may take away my friends. He may throw me among strangers. He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide my future from me. Still, He knows what He is about.
Reflection
Paul’s vision of the Church was of an interconnected group of people blessed by Christ with a variety of roles which build His body. Newman’s words on his life’s mission are ones that have inspired and puzzled me since I was a youth; knowing we have a purpose – but having faith despite maybe not being told that purpose in this life – is quite something. Newman, of course, underwent a journey from evangelical Anglican to Catholic cardinal; understanding his own vocation was clearly something that took some time and wisdom.
I hope you’ve found the reflections on vocation over the last two weeks useful but, more than that, I hope you’ve found them a good way to explore your own vocation.
Paul, and Newman, would not have reserved a sense of calling to those the Church sets aside in ordained ministry. All are called; some to rest after a lifetime’s service, others to make a difference through being a listening, encouraging, ear in the social time, others to be administrators who help make sense of the range of compliance issues the Church navigates, others still to be a safeguarding co-ordinator helping our local churches be as safe as they can be. Some are called to be Elders; some to be lay preachers to lead people in the worship of God, others to the ministry of Church Related Community Work or the ministry of Word and Sacraments. Others are called to use their skills and energy in evangelism, in works of service, and in bearing witness in everyday life.
In different ways we are all called; we all have a purpose. We may never know that purpose in this life but we shall be told it in the next. But now, in this life what are you called to?
Prayer
Calling God,
help us respond.
Quickening God,
help us apprehend life.
Blessing God,
remind us to bless others.
Amen