Lead Thou Me On – Week 5
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The Single State
Every vocation starts out from the single state, and if it is chosen as one’s path of discipleship and holiness of life then it is a vocation in itself. It may be that it is simply dictated by circumstances. Either way, if offers a freedom to explore many different ways of serving God and his Church. Where might God be calling you?
Light of the World. Holman Hunt.
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. Rev. 3:20
Is God knocking at the door of your heart?
Are you ready to open?
There are possibilities of consecrated life, as Virgin or Hermit. There are Secular Orders, Oblates, Lay Associations of the Faithful and many other movements that offer a spiritual formation and opportunities for ministry and service according to one’s circumstances.
Reflection
God has created me to do Him some definite service
He has committed some work to me which He has
not committed to another
I have my mission
I may never know it in this life but I shall be told it
in the next
I am a link in a chain
a bond of connection between persons
He has not created me for naught
I shall do good – I shall do His work
I shall be an angel of peace
a preacher of truth in my own place while not
intending it if I do but keep His commandments
Therefore I will trust Him whatever I am, I can never
be thrown away
If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him in
perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him
If I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him
He does nothing in vain
He knows what he is about
He may take away my friends
He may throw me among strangers
He may make me feel desolate
make my spirits sink
hide my future from me – still He knows what He is
about.
Bl. John Henry Newman
Questions
If the single life is what you would choose, what is it about it that appeals to you?
If the single state simply seems to be the way your life is working out, are you able to accept that God has a purpose for you in your situation?
What are some of the options that you might consider within the single state?
What do your skills, abilities and interests point to?
Do you feel the need of some structure and support in your spiritual life?
Would you prefer to live out your vocation in a group situation or alone?
What are your feelings about commitment of any kind?
Lectio
Eph. 1:17-23
To Do
Make a list for yourself of the possibilities available to you of living a fuller Christian life within the single state. Find out more about some of those.
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Prayer
God our Father,
You have a plan for each one of us,
You hold out to us a future full of hope.
Give us the wisdom of your Spirit
so that we can see the shape of your plan
in the gifts you have given us,
and in the circumstances of our daily lives.
Give us the freedom of your Spirit,
to seek you with all our hearts,
and to choose your will above all else.
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord.
—Based on Jeremiah 29:11-13