When you accept an invitation to a high school reunion, a football watch party, or a wedding, you respond inwardly. It can be framed as, “I get to go to [event],” “I have to go to [event],” or “I need to go to [event].” For some invitations, we are happy to accept; for others, they are obligations; and, still, for others, they are chores. Nonetheless, we choose whether to attend. Moreover, choosing to attend an event means that we are implicitly giving up something. For example, if I choose to attend my high school reunion, I am forgoing having dinner with my whole family, or I’m giving up watching the Tigers on TV. In addition, for some, going to a reunion means giving up inner peace, as you may encounter your first crush or the person who bullied you. It may involve inner angst, turmoil, or soul-searching, but ultimately, accepting an invitation means giving something up.
But what happens when the Lord invites us? That, too, requires us to step outside our comfort zones and say “yes.” Or, we could simply ignore God. Many priests and religious mention that they disregarded God’s call for years, and some even outwardly rejected it by pursuing other things. On an everyday level, however, God also invites us to “follow Him,” which means sacrificing our wants and needs and replacing them with the pursuit of God. This can be difficult because pursuing God means giving up the world.
Furthermore, following God means giving up sin, and we don’t want to do that because it’s fun, adventurous, and easy. Even though we may say otherwise and blame the Devil or temptation, we enjoy it. Deep down, we like to sin. Sometimes, worldly priorities and obligations also keep us from accepting God’s invitation: We get caught up in work or family issues, pursue a comfortable lifestyle or possessions, or long for fame or popularity. But when we find that the world does not satisfy our cravings, then what?
St. Augustine said, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee.” Unless we say “yes” to God’s invitation, we won’t be satisfied. God is inviting each of us, but that entails sacrifice. This week, reflect on what worldly “things” you are willing to give up in order to say “I accept” to God.
