Embracing God’s Call and Responding in His Time
On this 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, our readings call us to reflect on the
theme of time. Last week, we discussed the importance of embracing God’s call;
this week our focus is on the significance of promptly responding to His call.
In the first reading, we encounter the fascinating story of Jonah, a prophet
who was called by the Word of the Lord, not once but twice. This prompts us to
ponder why Jonah needed to be called a second time. It becomes evident that
when the Word of the Lord was first addressed to Jonah, he resisted and sought
to flee from the divine command. Instead of heading East to Nineveh as
instructed, he went West in an attempt to evade God’s call. However, upon the
second calling, Jonah obediently heeded the Word of the Lord.
Jonah’s story invites us to consider our responses to God’s call. Do we heed
His call immediately, or do we ignore it altogether? Do we, like Jonah, initially
resist or avoid God’s call, only to eventually surrender and obey upon further
reflection? The story of Jonah serves as a reminder that our willingness to
respond to God’s call is a crucial aspect of our faith journey.
In the Gospel, we hear the powerful proclamation of Jesus: “This is the time
of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is close at hand. Repent and believe in the
Gospel.” These words serve as a stirring reminder of the urgency inherent in
embracing the Gospel and living according to God’s divine plan.
As we begin the third week of the New Year, we are prompted to reflect on
our resolutions in light of God’s appointed time. It is essential to recognize that
the concept of time presented in today’s readings transcends mere chronological
measurements. Rather, it speaks to the profound understanding of God’s time –
an appointed time that unfolds according to His divine plan. It is a time when
events transpire and people are moved, not by human will or determination, but
by the power of God’s sovereign will.
It is often said that when it is not God’s time, we cannot force it; yet when it is
God’s time, we cannot impede it. Let us respond to God’s call with utmost
perseverance and unwavering faith. May we be attentive to the promptings of the
Holy Spirit and align our lives with God’s divine timing. In doing so, we avail
ourselves of the transformative power of God’s will and purpose in our lives.Fr. Dominic Toan Tran, Pastor
Let us resolve to heed God’s call promptly, recognizing that His timing is
flawless and that His will is sovereign. May we embrace the urgency of the
Gospel message and commit ourselves to living God’s plan. As we contemplate
our resolutions for the new year, may we be inspired to respond to God’s call
without delay, and remain open to God’s direction in our lives.