When one feels called to follow Jesus, there are many challenges that need to be embraced.  Jesus often demands a total ‘about turn’ in one’s daily life so that the call of the gospel can be heard.  Jesus’ call to his disciples and to the people who were gathered with him was a call to ‘renounce oneself, to take up the cross, and follow him’. This call takes a certain amount of courage.   

It is a call to have a heart that will ‘let go’ of one’s ego and selfish inclinations, and to take up Jesus’ way to proclaim God’s life and love through giving of one’s gifts and energies to the people of God wherever one is called to serve.  The call to be ministers of peace, of justice, of healing, of compassion, of truth and integrity challenges each of us to give practical witness to the power of the Gospel and the taking up of the Cross of Jesus. 

As the people of God are being served, we, as ministers of the gospel, will continue to grow as disciples.  The reign of God will be experienced, and our relationship with God, through the power of Jesus and the strength of the Holy Spirit, will be enriched and strengthened.

by Ursula O’Rourke sgs