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Word To Life
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Sunday Scripture Readings: Aug. 26, 2007
By Jeff Hensley
Catholic News Service
August 26, Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
Cycle C Readings:
1) Isaiah 66:18-21
Psalm 117:1-2
2) Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13
3) Gospel: Luke 13:22-30
This week's readings speak of God's faithfulness -- and the need to accept his discipline. I can vouch for them through my own life experience.
Like many young people, I wandered from God and church in my early 20s. When I returned to God, I came back with something of a splash. The charismatic renewal and the institutional church both welcomed me as I experienced the kind of dramatic conversion that convinces you -- temporarily -- that most of the work of redemption has been accomplished.
I was surprised to learn that conversion is a lifelong, and sometimes arduous and difficult, process. I'm very glad I'm a Catholic facing that reality, because I believe our faith acknowledges our ongoing need for formation, repentance and constant turning to the grace of God.
Early on, part of the rough road of living a converted life was my search for my professional vocation. I had a strong sense that God wanted me to be a Christian writer, so I sought to enroll in graduate studies in English. But due to a period of academic failure I lacked the grades to enter grad school in that field.
When I turned to journalism graduate school I found an open door. It took a great deal of effort to walk through that door and remain motivated, having to pick up 17 undergraduate hours in the field while making my way through the normal master's degree course load. Taking extra classes, studying late into the night, I often questioned my decision.
Many, many times, I would hit the wall, dragging myself through the curriculum, barely making it through each semester's work. It was extraordinarily hard to stay motivated. Except for the certainty I had that this was where God was calling me, and his faithfulness in seeing me through, I would never have completed the degree.
Now, 26 years after graduating, I can see that this indeed was where God was leading me. After 18 years as a Catholic diocesan newspaper editor I can say there is plenty of evidence that this is where God wanted me.
QUESTIONS:
Has God given you a sense of vocation? What can you do to overcome obstacles to achieving the goals God has for you?
SCRIPTURE TO BE ILLUSTRATED:
"For steadfast is his kindness toward us, and the fidelity of the Lord endures forever" (Psalm 117:2).
END
Copyright © 2006 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS Word To Life column may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service.
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