If I say, ‘I will not mention him,
or speak any more in his name’,
then within me there is something like a burning fire
shut up in my bones;
I am weary with holding it in,
and I cannot. (Jer 20:7)
As convinced as each of us may be in our vocation, there are likely to be times when we want to ‘hide away’. We may be tired or disillusioned. It may be a sign we need a break from our ministry. Yet, the first time I heard this passage, 20 years ago, it named my perception of being ‘grabbed’ by God – being ‘on fire’. Does the passage resonate with you?
Each of us in our own way is called by God. Our task is to discern that calling. Whether our vocation is religious or lay, we are all members of the body of Christ and we each have our part to play in building up that body. With the myriad of choices on offer, young people can feel uncertain. They may not be ‘on fire’ with a particular calling. Sometimes we need to set out on a journey and it is only when we look backward – and we all have 20-20 hindsight – that we can see God shaping us, drawing us on. But we need enough ‘mountain top’ moments to keep us moving!
If you’d like to share how the passage resonates with you – I’d love to hear from you!
Have a great week!
Patrick
livedgospel 
Hi Pat,
Thank you for your Gospel passages,they always inspire a positive response in me,Pat,although I don’t always have the courage to voice my response. Mum is settling in
to the nursing home,& that gives Dad & me g8 solace,but he went to hospital last week with an enlarged,kidney & this is scary as it leaves,me very exposed,I’ve received g8 support from the Brotherhood of St.Laurence & my family,but my confidence is low at times & like Jeremiah, I often doubt my abilities to achieve independence,but of course amongst many mountain top moments in my life,some of which we’ve shared,I have solid proof,that when push comes to shove,I can achieve anything I put my mind to,it’s all part of learning & journeying,but scary at times all the same! Lol!
I hope you,Anne-Marie & family are all well,we send our love,hugs & prayers to all of you!
Regards Always!
Oz & family.:-).
Hi Mark,
Lovely to hear from you – but I’m sorry that you’re enduring what you are. Please know that you and your parents are in our thoughts and prayers. Sadly, magic wands are not my specialty…
I’m glad that you can speak of your courage, as it continues to impress me.
Peace and all good
Patrick