Chapter 1Called by God

Share a Quotation

“The world is charged with the grandeur of God.”Gerard Manley Hopkins

“God is that, the greater than which cannot be conceived.”St. Anselm of Canterbury

“God is a sea of infinite substance.”St. John of Damascus

“God is the beyond in the midst of life.”Dietrich Bonhoeffer

“Once the soul has determined to be converted to the service of God, God nurtures her in spirit and caresses her, like a loving mother with her tender babe, warming it at her breasts, feeding it with nourishing milk and soft, sweet food, and carrying it in her arms and cherishing it.”

St. John of the Cross

“He who sees the infinite in all things, sees God.”William Blake

“God is all that is good, in my sight, and the goodness that everything has is his.”

Julian of Norwich

“God does not love us because we are valuable. We are valuable because God loves us.”

Fulton John Sheen

“God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.”

C.S. Lewis

“The feeling remains that God is on the journey, too.”St. Teresa of Avila

“Where love is, there God is also.”Mohandas Gandhi

How does the religious meaning of the word vocation differ from the usual secular uses of the word?

 

How does the religious meaning of the word vocation differ from the usual secular uses of the word?

The secular use of the word focuses on one’s job or career. The religious meaning of vocation involves the deepest needs of humans, and how we respond to those needs in ourselves and in others.

 

When do Christians first receive their vocation, and when

and how can they start living it?

 

When do Christians first receive their vocation, and when

and how can they start living it?

Christians first receive their vocation at Baptism, and can start living it as young children by making choices to follow Jesus.

 

What is the mission or vocation of the Church, and how

does it connect to an individual’s vocation?

 

What is the mission or vocation of the Church, and how

does it connect to an individual’s vocation?

The mission, or vocation of the Church is to help build God’s kingdom here on earth. We participate in this mission as individuals because we are a part of the Body of Christ. We participate in the life of the Church, and listen to and follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

 

Describe how the Christian vocation can be lived out

through various states of life.

 

Describe how the Christian vocation can be lived out

through various states of life.

Christian vocations can be lived out by ordained ministers who take vows or promises for life to serve Christ’s people, by married lay persons who promise to be living witnesses to the world of their unity and faithfulness to each other, by single persons who bless the world with their unique gifts, and by consecrated religious who dedicate their lives in service to the Church and the world.

 

What was so extraordinary about Abraham, given the time in which he was alive?

 

What was so extraordinary about Abraham, given the time in which he was alive?

Abraham lived in a polytheistic society. God called him to believe in one God, that is, to be monotheistic.

 

What were some of the common responses of those who were reluctant to answer God’s call, and what was God’s basic answer to all of them?

 

What were some of the common responses of those who were reluctant to answer God’s call, and what was God’s basic answer to all of them?

Fear, unworthiness, surprise, “who, me?’ and reluctance to answer God’s call were common responses. God provided answers for each argument with the core truth: It isn’t up to you, it is up to me. He also provided encouragement and promised his blessings.

 

What were Moses’ arguments when God called him to lead his people out of Egypt?

 

What were Moses’ arguments when God called him to lead his people out of Egypt?

Moses felt he didn’t have the influence and power necessary to lead his people out of Egypt.

 

What was surprising about the successor of King Saul?

 

What was surprising about the successor of King Saul?

He was the youngest in the family, and overlooked. People had low expectations of his abilities.

 

What was Jesus’ mission and how did he accomplish it?

 

What was Jesus’ mission and how did he accomplish it?

Jesus mission was to bring salvation to all humankind. He accomplished this by bringing the Good News to the poor, setting captives free, bringing recovery of sight to the blind, and letting the oppressed go free.

 

Why were Elizabeth and Zechariah important characters in the story of salvation?

 

Why were Elizabeth and Zechariah important characters in the story of salvation?

They were a part of the faithful remnant of Israel and accepted the mission to raise John the Baptist, who would announce the arrival of the Messiah.

 

What made Joseph’s vocation so difficult at first?

 

What made Joseph’s vocation so difficult at first?

Joseph’s vocation was thrust upon him when he learned Mary was pregnant. His love for her and faith in God helped him accept God’s call.

 

Not every Apostle in the Gospels immediately got a direct call from Jesus to follow him. How did others come to follow him?

 

Not every Apostle in the Gospels immediately got a direct call from Jesus to follow him. How did others come to follow him?

Others came to follow Jesus through the encouragement of

friends, and by talking with Jesus himself.

 

How did the events of Pentecost affect the Apostles and influence their mission?

 

How did the events of Pentecost affect the Apostles and influence their mission?

At Pentecost the Apostles received the Spirit that Jesus had promised, and the strength, courage and ability to begin their mission.

 

What does it mean to evangelize and how did the first Apostles accomplish this task?

 

What does it mean to evangelize and how did the first Apostles accomplish this task?

To evangelize means to share Jesus’ Good News. The first Apostles accomplished this by going out into the world to preach about Jesus and baptize new believers.

 

What do Catholics believe about the Eucharist and why is it so important in their lives?

 

What do Catholics believe about the Eucharist and why is it so important in their lives?

Catholics believe the Eucharist is the Body and Blood of Christ. Through the Eucharist we are united more closely to Christ, and to his Body here on earth. We seal our discipleship and membership in the Church when we receive the Eucharist, and we receive strength for our journey and the mission that we are called to by Jesus.

 

What do we learn from Jesus’ washing of his Apostles feet at his Last Supper?

 

What do we learn from Jesus’ washing of his Apostles feet at his Last Supper?

We learn that reaching out in service to others is not an option. It is a mandate for all disciples of Jesus.