Reflection
Not all human beings respond to the promptions of their conscience or the call of the
Spirit with a generous, “Here I am.”the human experience is complex and never
coerced. The call to act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with your God may be
accepted but it also may be refused. Ravaging harm is done by human beings to other
people and to the earth in acts that religious language calls sin. Even here the call of
the living God does not quit. Theologian Karl Barth put it this way: “God says’Yes’;
we say ‘No’; God says ‘Nevertheless’.” The tough lovingkindness of the Creator is
without end, ceaselessly, calling, comforting, and challenging humans into the right
path, opening up the future.
Elizabeth Johnson, CSJ
Prayer
Act justly,love tenderly,walk humbly with your God.
Action
Where do you see the challenges in your own life? Are there “Nevertheless” moments? How do you respond?
Suggested Reading
The Lord came and called as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel replied, “Speak, your servant is listening.
1 Samuel 3:9-10
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2
The greatest joy for believers is to respond to God’s call, to offer all of hhemselves at the service of God and their brothers and sisters.
Pope Francis
God is always trying to give good things to us, but our hands are too full to receive them.
St.Augustine
This is part of the infinite goodness of God, that God should allow evil to exist, and out of it produce good.
Thomas Aquinas
It’s important to understand that at every point of opposition to who we are or to what God has called us to do, we are presented with the options of either conforming and giving in, or standing our ground and becoming stronger in who God has made us to be.
Gabriel Wilson
Do not be discouraged, stay focused and believe that God has called you to a greater calling than where you are, much higher than you ever fathomed.
Justice Kojo Bentil
The only way you’re going to reach places you’ve never gone is if you trust God’s direction to do things you’ve never done.
Germany Kent
Surrendering fully to God is tantamount to a back seat driver; you can yell out your suggestions all you want, but it’s best if you sit back and just enjoy the ride.
Allene vanOirschot