Are you willing to be sent into your own “Israel”?
The 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time invites us to reflect on the personal
calling and divine mission that God extends to each one of us. In the first reading
Ezekiel recounts when the Lord’s spirit entered him, setting him on his feet and
preparing him to hear God’s message. God then tells Ezekiel, “Son of man, I am
sending you to the Israelites.” This divine charge speaks not only to Ezekiel but
also to each of us today. It affirms our unique role in God’s plan and urges us to
consider our willingness to be sent by God to proclaim the Good News.
In today’s society, filled with countless distractions and responsibilities, it is
easy to feel overwhelmed by the thought of taking on such a mission. We may
think, “Let someone else go; my brother or sister can handle it, not me.” This
hesitation is understandable – being sent by God to proclaim His message
requires courage, dedication, and a deep sense of faith. God’s call is not a
general summons but a deeply personal calling. Just as the spirit entered Ezekiel
and set him on his feet, God equips us with the grace and strength needed to
fulfill our mission. We must not ask ourselves whether we are capable but rather
whether we are willing to respond to this call. Are we ready to embrace the
unique role God has designed for us, or will we let fear and doubt hold us back?
Answering God’s call does not necessarily mean embarking on grand or
heroic endeavors. Proclaiming the Good News can happen in the ordinary
moments of our daily lives. It can be as simple as showing kindness to a
stranger, offering a listening ear to someone in distress, or living out our faith
with integrity and love in our immediate circles. Each small act of love and
service becomes a testament to God’s presence in the world.
Moreover, we are not alone in our mission; the community of believers, the
Church, walks with us, providing a supportive and nurturing environment. We
draw strength and inspiration from one another, united in our common goal to
live out the Gospel. We are part of a larger divine plan. The psalmist beautifully
expresses, “Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, pleading for his mercy.”Fr. Dominic Toan Tran,
As we reflect on today’s readings, let us take a moment to examine our
hearts. Are we ready to stand on our feet, like Ezekiel, and listen to God’s voice?
Are we willing to be sent into our own “Israel,” whether that be our family,
workplace, or community, to share the good news of God’s love and mercy? May
we find the courage to respond affirmatively to God’s call, trusting He will provide
us with the necessary grace and strength. With our eyes fixed on the Lord, we
can become instruments of His peace and heralds of His Good News. Let us not
hesitate but step forward in faith and love.