We don’t become Jesus’s disciples all on our own. Angelo Canta, SJ, reflects on how God works through the people around us to help us draw closer to the Lord. Based on the readings for January 14, 2024.
Discernment, I have learned, is a team sport.
Back before I was a Jesuit, I remember thinking that I had to figure out all this discernment business on my own. It was my job to piece together all the hints God was sending into the puzzle of my vocation.
But, when I started discerning religious life, I met Jesuits who were interested in listening to what God was saying to me. I was moved when they, too, started picking up the puzzle pieces of my discernment. That’s what I’m reminded of in today’s readings.
Samuel had Eli to teach him that he was really listening to the voice of the Lord. The first disciples had John the Baptist to say, “Behold the Lamb of God.” And Simon Peter had his brother, Andrew to say, “We have found the Messiah.”
We don’t become Jesus’ disciples all on our own. Who has God given you as companions and guides in this journey? Whose voices speak to you of God’s work in your life? Who has God put on your team?
