Do What He Tells You

So, it's been quite a while since I've posted. After many nudges of encouragement and even some warnings, I have decided to get back into action on this Feast of St. John Vianney, who once he discovered his talent as a Confessor, used it for the Glory of God.

Part of me was discouraged into thinking, "Eh, this is a waste of time" or "I'm not holy enough to be writing such things." Then, an answer came as I picked up the book Introduction to the Devout Life by the great St. Francis de Sales, who is not only a Doctor of the Church, but also the patron saint of writers. In his preface, he states, "It is too true that I who write about the devout life am not myself devout, but most certainly I am not without the wish to become so, and it is this wish which encourages me to teach you." Thus, I will follow what I believe are the promptings of the Holy Spirit and "Just Do It", as the saying goes.

God has given each of us a talent, sometimes many. While some are obvious, others can be hidden. It is then that we should invoke the Holy Spirit that they may be revealed. Recently, I asked specifically which talent it was that God was calling me to use for His service. On the very same day, I received a call from my cousin. She indicated that she had a converation with a mutual friend who had wanted to write a heartfelt letter to someone leaving our community, however, she was at a loss for words. My cousin instantly thought of me, then called me that same evening to ask me if I would be willing to write such a letter. When I gave the letter to our friend, her first words to me were, "you have a talent!" I suppose that was my answer! Ask and ye shall receive.

Some prayers, however, are not answered in such a fashion. Sometimes, the answers come gradually and are not seen until God is done His handiwork. Usually, work is required of us to obtain the answer. This work can consist of (though not limited to) perseverance in prayer, purging of our sins or simply keeping the faith. Other times, it can take actual physical work. Consider the Wedding feast of Cana. I love how Mary, in her care for her children, goes to her Son in the hopes that the newly married couple may be saved from humiliation. Her Son, in turn, out of love for His mother and of His neighbor, performs a miracle. Surely, Jesus could have created wine from nothing, but He asked the servants to fill the jugs with water and bring them to Him. Mary, assured them, "Do what Jesus tells you." In other words, follow His commandments and He can perform miracles for you.

Recently in my case, that work seems to mean using my God-given talents in order to bring glory to God. In the meantime, I will not let the inspirations pass and will continue to share them. Perhaps, it could lead someone back into His arms, which, no doubt, is the ultimate goal.

Every moment comes to us pregnant with a command from God, only to pass on and plunge into eternity, there to remain forever what we have made of it. St. Francis de Sales