On Being Chosen

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After reading today’s scripture passage celebrating the Immaculate Conception of Mary in the womb of her mother, I read a reflection for the day from Laudate.

The gist of the reflection was that it is God that takes the initiative in calling us to him and that there are many accounts in scripture of people being chosen by God.

Do you see that you have been chosen by God?  That you do not just happen to be who you are, to have the gifts that you have, but that not unlike the prophets of the Old Testament, your life isn’t simply about your life?

People make a big deal about finding one’s purpose in life.  Why am I here?  But I think just as important is the question, “What will I do with the span of years I have been given?”

The only real answer that can be given for that lies within our faith.  The time that we spend doing anything disconnected from our loving Father is time wasted.

Having said that, our connection to the Father is manifested in many ways.  Living out one’s vocation may include serving others by using our God-given gifts.  You see, it doesn’t matter what your actual life work entails, it, and everything else that garners your attention, must be seen through the lens of faith.

Every day I read the news and it is filled with sadness and death.  This has caused me to contemplate life.  If I am given the gift of life for one more day, how will I use it to give witness?  Eternal life is not some imaginary state beyond us.  Eternal life can also be about the life we live today, the perpetual giving of every last ounce of our energy, humility and strength.

Eternal life is a life lived with God.  Perhaps it begins here.  Right now.  Today.

Being chosen by God isn’t about position and power.  It’s not about being in an exclusive position.  The only thing to brag about is God himself.  We didn’t do anything to be chosen, but we certainly can respond to God with all our being.

Janet Cassidy
janetcassidy.blogspot.com

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