To hear God's call (Henri Nouwen)

   God always calls.  To hear that call and allow it to guide our actions requires discipline in order to prevent ourselves from remaining or becoming spiritually deaf.  There are so many voices calling for our attention and so many activities distracting us that a serious effort is necessary if we are to become and remain sensitive to the divine presence in our lives.

   When God calls, God gives us a new name.  Abram became Abraham, Jacob became Israel, Saul became Paul, and Simon became Peter.  We must search for this new name because the new name reveals the unique vocation given to us by God.

--Henri Nouwen, Compassion

Image source:  Caravaggio, The Calling of Saints Andrew and Peter (1603-1606)  https://hdavidbaer.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/calling-of-peter-and-andrew.jpg?w=640