Let’s take a moment to look back on our journey through this series. We returned to the baptismal waters where we encountered Jesus, who entered the waters to show us the way to God’s abundant life. We listened for the voice of God alongside Samuel, Philip, and Nathanael. With Jonah, Simon, Andrew, James, and John, we received the persistent and grace-filled invitation to participate with God in living out the fullness of God’s kingdom here and now. So, what’s next? Where does the path take us now?

 

Discernment. If you were expecting something a little more exciting, I’m sorry to disappoint you. But, if I’m honest, I’m not too disappointed because, even though discernment isn’t particularly thrilling, it is essential for all of us who seek to become the people of God. Discernment is part of the antiphonal relationship we have with God (see last week’s planning notes to find out more about what I mean by antiphonal). When we discern the movement of God in our individual and communal lives, we are continuing the call-and-response between us and God, depending on God’s grace and guidance to show us where to go, what to do, and who to be.