How Gently God Works

Last evening our three Marist novices shared their vocation stories, each was unique, but a common element ran through all:  how gradually and gently God works, God calls.  No rush, no blinding visions, but almost by osmosis, these men who enjoyed working with the Marist Brothers, or in the case of one, searched and inquired, not having had any experience with the brothers, came to understand over time what brotherhood and making Jesus known and loved, especially to the most neglected youth means.  Facing the question of a lifetime commitment to living in community to do this kind of ministry, then became easier...almost like sliding into a cool swimming pool on a hot summer day.  Suddenly they were in, and not just looking from the outside.
This pattern is also how God works with each of us, gently nudging, softly calling, attracting us to a more intimate relationship with him through the ordinary things we do each day.  Lent gives us the opportunity to choose more specifically what these "ordinary" things might be, but approaching them from the heart and seeing them as ways to grow deeper in love with him will give us the closeness we seek.  We might think that we are making progress toward him, but we need to remember, that it is God's initiative, he makes the first move, and he draws us to him.
Bro. Rene