By Pam Tinsley, reprinted from Living God’s Mission.
Over the past several weeks I’ve noticed a common theme in several sermons and reflections. “Listen, believe, and act” were the words of wisdom that my late friend Rena offered to her son-in-law years ago. In another instance, an engaging preacher reminded the congregation that “gratitude, study, and reflection” are the principal components of discernment, that is, a conversation with God. The Cursillo/Come and See ministry in my diocese invites us to reflect during weekly small group reunions about our “spiritual practices, life-long learning, and spiritual action.” Daughters of the King take vows of prayer, service, and evangelism. And an Ignatian reflection phrased the same idea this way: find God in your life; identify what God is calling you to do; reflect on your own actions and motives; and then make a choice aligned with God’s desire.
Although the words themselves may vary, conversation with God is at the heart of each. Conversation means that we both listen to God and respond to God. We can listen for God’s voice in prayer and in the study of God’s Word, including the Bible and other sacred writings. We convey belief by expressing our gratitude to God. Regular worship – Eucharist, i.e., the Great Thanksgiving – is our faithful expression of gratitude.
As we look and listen for God’s loving presence in our daily lives through these spiritual practices, God also calls us to respond – to act. Each one of us is integral to Christ’s mission. For some, such as the saints, their part in Christ’s mission might be extraordinary. But for most of us, our part may seem quite ordinary and even insignificant and usually takes place in everyday life.
Yet, like a jigsaw puzzle with its many pieces, Christ’s mission needs each one of us. So, I invite you to engage in conversation with God and listen; believe and be grateful for how deeply God loves you; and respond by serving God in your daily life.
The Green Room 