Embracing Divine Friendship: Transformative Call of Jesus
Summary
In today's reflection, we explored the profound and personal call that Jesus extends to each of us, inviting us into a deeper relationship with Him. This call is not contingent upon our perfection or readiness; rather, it is through this divine friendship that we are sanctified and transformed. We examined the life of Simon Peter, who, despite his imperfections and moments of denial, was called by Jesus to be a foundational figure in the Church. This illustrates that our journey with Christ is not about achieving perfection before we are called, but about allowing His call to perfect us.
We also delved into the distinction between being a disciple and an apostle, emphasizing the choice to be a friend of Jesus. This friendship is not about adhering to a set of rules but about experiencing the beauty and glory of God in our lives. The Eucharist stands as a central element of this relationship, a source of sustenance and life that should anchor us amidst any trials or scandals we may face within the Church.
Furthermore, we discussed the integration of faith into every aspect of our lives, breaking down the barriers between work, family, and spirituality. Jesus desires to be part of our entire existence, transforming our daily routines and challenges into opportunities for divine encounters and miracles. This was exemplified in Peter's life when he allowed Jesus into his boat, leading to an abundant catch of fish and a transformative call to become a fisher of men.
Finally, we reflected on the personal wrestling with God's call, whether it be to priesthood, marriage, or another vocation. This wrestling is a sacred space where God works within us, revealing His plans and desires for our lives. It is in these moments of struggle and surrender that we encounter the true beauty of God, preparing us for the glory that is to come.
Key Takeaways:
1. Divine Friendship and Perfection: Jesus calls us into friendship not because we are perfect, but to perfect us through His love and grace. This relationship is transformative, healing us and sanctifying us as we journey with Him. [23:56]
2. The Eucharist as Our Anchor: The Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith, providing sustenance and life. It is a profound mystery that should anchor us amidst any trials or scandals, reminding us of the true presence of Christ in our lives. [27:30]
3. Integration of Faith and Life: Jesus desires to be part of every aspect of our lives, transforming our work, family, and daily routines into opportunities for divine encounters. By inviting Him into our "boats," we open ourselves to miracles and deeper relationships with Him. [30:03]
4. Wrestling with God's Call: The process of discerning God's call is often a wrestling match, where we struggle with our desires and His plans. This sacred wrestling allows us to encounter God in a personal way, leading to a deeper understanding of His will for our lives. [34:18]
5. Experiencing the Beauty of God: Our relationship with Jesus invites us to experience the beauty of God on earth as it is in heaven. This beauty is not just a future promise but a present reality that transforms our lives and prepares us for the glory to come. [36:02]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [22:45] - Jesus' Call to Friendship
- [23:56] - Perfection Through Friendship
- [24:46] - Surrendering Perfectionism
- [25:47] - Disciple vs. Apostle
- [27:30] - The Eucharist's Central Role
- [28:33] - Challenges of Church Teachings
- [29:10] - Experiencing God's Glory
- [30:03] - Integrating Faith and Life
- [31:34] - Jesus in Our Daily Work
- [32:44] - Peter's Transformative Encounter
- [34:18] - Wrestling with Vocation
- [36:02] - Beauty in Difficulty
- [47:07] - Sacraments of Eternal Life
- [49:47] - The Eucharistic Celebration
- [01:07:00] - Blessing and Sending Forth
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 5:1-11 - The calling of Simon Peter and the miraculous catch of fish.
2. John 6:66 - The reaction of Jesus' disciples to His teaching on the Eucharist.
3. Isaiah 6:1-4 - Isaiah's vision of the Lord and the seraphim.
#### Observation Questions
1. How does the story of Simon Peter's calling in Luke 5:1-11 illustrate the idea that Jesus calls us despite our imperfections? [23:56]
2. What was the reaction of the disciples in John 6:66 to Jesus' teaching about the Eucharist, and how does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on the Eucharist as an anchor? [27:30]
3. In Isaiah 6:1-4, what is the significance of the seraphim's proclamation, and how does this relate to the sermon’s discussion on experiencing the beauty of God? [29:10]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between divine friendship and personal transformation, particularly in the context of Simon Peter's life? [23:56]
2. How does the sermon interpret the role of the Eucharist in sustaining faith amidst trials and scandals within the Church? [27:30]
3. In what ways does the sermon propose integrating faith into daily life, and how does this reflect the story of Peter allowing Jesus into his boat? [30:03]
4. How does the sermon describe the process of wrestling with God's call, and what insights does it offer about discerning one's vocation? [34:18]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt called into a deeper relationship with Jesus despite feeling unworthy. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Simon Peter's example? [23:56]
2. The sermon emphasizes the Eucharist as a central element of faith. How can you make the Eucharist a more integral part of your spiritual life, especially during challenging times? [27:30]
3. Consider your daily routines. How can you invite Jesus into your "boat" to transform ordinary moments into opportunities for divine encounters? [30:03]
4. Have you experienced a period of wrestling with God's call in your life? What did you learn from that experience, and how can it guide you in future discernments? [34:18]
5. The sermon speaks about experiencing the beauty of God on earth. What are some practical ways you can open your heart to this beauty in your everyday life? [36:02]
6. How can you break down the barriers between work, family, and spirituality to create a more integrated life of faith? [30:03]
7. Reflect on a difficult situation you are currently facing. How might God be inviting you to see this as an opportunity for a miracle or transformation? [36:02]
Devotional
Day 1: Divine Friendship Transforms Us
Jesus calls us into a friendship that is not based on our perfection but is meant to perfect us through His love and grace. This divine friendship is transformative, healing us and sanctifying us as we journey with Him. The life of Simon Peter serves as a powerful example of this truth. Despite his imperfections and moments of denial, Peter was called by Jesus to be a foundational figure in the Church. This illustrates that our journey with Christ is not about achieving perfection before we are called, but about allowing His call to perfect us. As we embrace this friendship, we are invited to experience the beauty and glory of God in our lives, not through adherence to a set of rules, but through a personal and transformative relationship with Jesus. [23:56]
"For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation." (Psalm 149:4, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel unworthy of Jesus' friendship? How can you invite Him into those areas today to begin the process of transformation?
Day 2: The Eucharist as Our Anchor
The Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith, providing sustenance and life. It is a profound mystery that should anchor us amidst any trials or scandals, reminding us of the true presence of Christ in our lives. The Eucharist is not just a ritual or tradition; it is a living encounter with Jesus, who desires to nourish and sustain us. In the midst of challenges within the Church or personal struggles, the Eucharist stands as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the steadfast love of Christ. By participating in the Eucharist, we are drawn into a deeper communion with Jesus, who offers Himself to us as the Bread of Life. [27:30]
"And he said to them, 'I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.'" (Luke 22:15, ESV)
Reflection: How can you make the Eucharist a more central part of your spiritual life this week? What steps can you take to prepare your heart to receive Jesus more fully in the Eucharist?
Day 3: Integrating Faith into Daily Life
Jesus desires to be part of every aspect of our lives, transforming our work, family, and daily routines into opportunities for divine encounters. By inviting Him into our "boats," we open ourselves to miracles and deeper relationships with Him. This integration of faith and life is not about compartmentalizing our spirituality but about allowing Jesus to permeate every area of our existence. When we invite Jesus into our daily routines, we create space for His presence to work in and through us, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary encounters with His love and grace. This was exemplified in Peter's life when he allowed Jesus into his boat, leading to an abundant catch of fish and a transformative call to become a fisher of men. [30:03]
"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." (Proverbs 16:3, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific area of your daily life where you can invite Jesus to be more present? How can you intentionally create space for Him in that area today?
Day 4: Wrestling with God's Call
The process of discerning God's call is often a wrestling match, where we struggle with our desires and His plans. This sacred wrestling allows us to encounter God in a personal way, leading to a deeper understanding of His will for our lives. Whether it be a call to priesthood, marriage, or another vocation, this wrestling is a sacred space where God works within us, revealing His plans and desires for our lives. It is in these moments of struggle and surrender that we encounter the true beauty of God, preparing us for the glory that is to come. As we wrestle with God's call, we are invited to trust in His wisdom and timing, knowing that He is faithful to complete the work He has begun in us. [34:18]
"And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day." (Genesis 32:24, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel you are wrestling with God's call? How can you surrender this struggle to Him and trust in His plan for you?
Day 5: Experiencing the Beauty of God
Our relationship with Jesus invites us to experience the beauty of God on earth as it is in heaven. This beauty is not just a future promise but a present reality that transforms our lives and prepares us for the glory to come. As we walk with Jesus, we are invited to see the world through His eyes, recognizing the beauty and goodness of God in the midst of our daily lives. This experience of divine beauty is not limited to moments of joy and celebration but is also present in times of difficulty and struggle. By embracing the beauty of God in all circumstances, we are drawn into a deeper relationship with Him, experiencing His love and grace in profound and transformative ways. [36:02]
"One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple." (Psalm 27:4, ESV)
Reflection: How can you cultivate an awareness of God's beauty in your life today? What is one way you can intentionally seek to experience His presence in both the ordinary and extraordinary moments of your day?
Quotes
"When did Jesus first call you? I know most of us, many of us are just baptized into the faith as children, and so this is the thing that we've done for so long. But the Lord doesn't stop calling people to be his friend. He doesn't stop calling just because you've done the thing for so long, doesn't mean he stops inviting you into a deeper relationship. In fact, I'm convinced that every one of us, he has called into a particular moments of our life like Simon Peter, and maybe we've responded well, and maybe we haven't. But he'll never stop inviting us into a deeper relationship." [00:22:40] (45 seconds)
"But we see that throughout the whole of Scripture. Even Simon Peter, right? We sometimes think like, well, oh, God didn't call me because I'm not perfect yet, and I've got to fix myself so that way God calls me. It's like, no, in the calling, he heals me. It's when he calls me that he sanctifies me. Notice that Simon Peter, even at the end of his, at the end of the three years that he journeyed with the Lord, he was still not holy. He denied Jesus three times." [00:23:25] (34 seconds)
"The Lord isn't waiting for you to get perfect so he can call you into deeper friendship with himself. It's by friendship with him that he will perfect you. Amen? It's by, let's say this together. Say, it's by friendship with Jesus that he perfects me. I don't do it myself. Yeah. It's like, I got to be perfect. I got, we have perfectionist mentalities. Maybe that's just me, but I struggle with a perfectionist mentality. Which is the hardest part within our spirituality is surrendering this perfectionism." [00:24:27] (38 seconds)
"Rather than when he invites me into relationship with himself, it's the invitation that starts to purify me. It's his invitation. It's his invitation and relationship with him that starts to have an internal effect in me. And then I begin to change. But it's his work and not mine. Which sometimes we don't like because we like to receive the credit." [00:25:09] (26 seconds)
"And she made the distinction. For us, second grade is super special, yeah, like, we're getting ready for First Communions here in May. But we had some of them here the other day, and we'll have some more here in a couple weeks to prepare them. Like, at that age, the Holy Spirit is already working in the souls of the seven-year-olds, because, or whoever's receiving Holy Communion, because he's preparing them to be a temple to hold the Lord. Right? So like, just as this is a beautiful space." [00:25:47] (32 seconds)
"Because you remember in John chapter 6, verse 66, the followers of Jesus, the disciples, those who were following him, left him. Why did they leave him? Because of the Eucharist. Yeah, like they said, the saying is too hard. You must eat my flesh and drink my blood, otherwise you'll have no life in me. Why do people leave the church? It's because of the Eucharist." [00:27:18] (27 seconds)
"I mean, you could tell me a thousand reasons or excuses, but none of them match up, because if I truly believe this is Jesus Christ, body, blood, soul, and divinity, and he is the source and the summit of my life, and I feed on him to receive sustenance for my life, then there is nothing that can pull me away from that. There's nothing that can pull me away from that. No amount of, and like, it's not to lower down, the trauma we may experience from scandal, or the hurt that we've experienced from scandal, but there's no scandal that can pull me away from that, because it's not about the human beings." [00:27:45] (38 seconds)
"If we, in our modern American mentality, continue to separate church, work, family, play, all of those separate, I work from 9 to 5, I go home, I spend time with family, and on weekends I play, and then I go to church on Sunday for an hour. So long as I do that, I do not have a personal relationship with Jesus that breathes life into my whole life. No, in fact, I've separated it, and think about if Peter would have done, but notice what the Lord does is he steps into Peter's work, and he encounters him there." [00:30:15] (32 seconds)
"And Peter gives him permission. Ha ha, be careful when you let Jesus onto your boat. Ooh, your life just may change. So he lets Jesus use the boat, and then after he's done preaching to the crowd, he says to Peter, Simon, Simon, put out into the deep. Go into the uncomfortable zone, and put your nets down. And he's like, Master, we have worked all night. I'm the fisherman, you're the rabbi, this isn't your job." [00:30:56] (31 seconds)
"Because this is what he's inviting you to. And what happens with Peter is he leaves everything and follows him, and we know the rest of the story, he wasn't perfect, he committed sin, he betrayed Jesus, and yet Jesus still called him to be the first pope, and still called him to give his life out of love for Jesus. But when Peter met him, and when he allowed him into his boat, his reality shook, because all the effort that Simon Peter had put into his life. The scriptures say this, if the Lord does not build the house, in vain do the builders labor." [00:32:46] (43 seconds)
"And at the end of those two years, I made the commitment to go into seminary. But it was even in seminary that that call had to be wrestled out. Lord, is this what you're asking of me? It seems like a big thing. It is a big thing. Could you really be inviting me into a deeper relationship in this way? And it was about four years, five years into seminary, out of the eight years, that I finally was able to say, yes, Lord, I realize now that the invitation you gave me was actually the fulfillment of my desire." [00:34:52] (33 seconds)
"Because in marriage, we make those vows. Woo, we make those vows. Yeah, we make those vows on wedding day. And we're like, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, till death do us part, will I love you? You know? And then all of a sudden, the difficult times come and we're like, ah, did I mean this time though? You know, did I really mean this difficult thing? And we start to endure. Enter into that difficulty. But think about that. It's in that difficulty that the Lord starts to sanctify us." [00:35:38] (37 seconds)
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