Monthly theme: Vocation
Reading time: two minutes
Jesus often took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to the hungry (see the 5000 and the 4000, the Last Supper, Easter at Emmaus, etc.).
He once told the disciples that He is the Light of the world, (John 8:12) and also that they were the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). As far as we know He never told His disciples that they were the bread of life.
Isn’t it interesting, however, that we’re blessed, we’re broken, and we’re given to the world?
I’m reading Glenn Packiam’s “Blessed Broken Given” where he explores the possibilities of the analogy of bread in the hands of Jesus for understanding the call of God, and what he suggests intrigues me, so I’ll offer a few thoughts for your reflection this month. This week: Blessed!
And we are certainly blessed, aren’t we?
It’s a wonder of the kingdom that God takes the ordinary and by the blessing of His grace, He makes it extraordinary.
He took ordinary bread from a young boy’s lunch and blessed it, and it became far more than just two small loaves. He took the ordinary Passover loaf and blessed it, and made it a heavenly meal.
For His kingdom purposes, Jesus calls the ordinary; the fishermen, the tax collectors, people like you and me. And then He places some of us in the high and holy Office of the Word, implanting that Word in us that we might serve as His ambassadors, jars of clay bearing the mystery of His perfect love.
This vocation that we’ve received is a mystery and a marvel, and a source of great humility.
As you move forward in the duties of your vocation as a minister of the Word this week, why not pause and reflect on the many ways that the Lord has lifted you up and blessed you? We deserve none of His gifts, but led by the Spirit, we rejoice in His goodness.
How do you express your gratitude each day for…
the blessing of washing by water and the Word that made you His own?
the blessing of the gift of faith that welcomes and humbly receives every good gift from above?
the blessing of the fellowship of the saints, the apostles, the prophets, and the martyrs who have gone before you?
the blessing of daily forgiveness and renewal in the cross of Christ?
the blessing of the Holy Spirit and His gifts of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control?
the blessing of the opportunity to share the good news of God’s rich blessing with others?
Our calling to share the gifts of God begins with our own gratitude for receiving the gifts of God. May He bless your celebration of His goodness to you this week!
Thanks for reading.
Next week: Broken – The Way of the Cross.
