Calling the Ordinary

When I was young, I was terribly insecure, especially when it came to my first real jobs. I would shuffle into interviews with my eyes on the floor and say something like, “You didn’t want to hire me, did you? I didn’t think so,” and then I would shuffle out. I could not imagine that someone would think me capable of anything, of contributing good work.

It took some time, and the affirmation of those who could see my gifts when I couldn’t, to grow into the knowledge that I had things to offer, a mission—that Jesus would give me a place.

I’ve often wondered what Jesus saw in those first Apostles He called. And what, exactly, made James and John, Simon and Andrew drop their nets and follow Jesus so quickly. His glory, even then, must have been incredibly compelling.

Even in those first days, He must have lent them His strength of purpose in some way such that they could abandon the ordinary life they knew and follow Jesus into the extraordinary unknown.

I take strength in recognizing that the Apostles were in some ways probably a lot like me. Maybe they had their own insecurities before Jesus came and called them into the greatest work of their lives. Maybe they had to grow in the same knowledge: Jesus makes us capable.

Jesus comes and calls me to follow Him just like He did the fishermen. He comes in the Sacraments and in my relationships and life experiences, in my vocation and work; He breaks into my ordinary life and invites me to keep Him company, to work alongside Him.

Sister, never miss an opportunity to step out in faith, to follow the Lord when He calls you by name and says, “I have work for you, I will make you effective in My Kingdom.” Trust that you are walking toward the fulfillment of His glory, just like Simon and Andrew, James and John. Just like them, He wants you to share in His glory.

He wants you to share in His glory. // Liz Kelly Click to tweet

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Amen, let all peoples see His glory—in you.