Often in meetings for discernment, when divisiveness is the tone, I take a deep breath and remember the Spirit is not divided. What I want, for myself and all of us, is to tune into the harmonizing movement of the Spirit. That is what discernment is all about, distinguishing between different voices and choosing the Centering One to honor. The movement of the Spirit is one of unity, always alluring.
Today I spoke with someone in Montana who is considering a new dimension of call in her ministry. As I listened to her story, I thought of this week’s Gospel story recounted by Luke.* Jesus has returned from the divisive temptations in the wilderness to Galilee “in the power of the Spirit,” confidently centered and radiant with his call. Everywhere he goes, rapt attention is given him. Then, in his hometown place of worship Jesus publicly claims his call. He first says the Spirit has anointed him. Then he quotes a few lines from two servant songs in Isaiah which define his call clearly: proclamation. Specifically, proclamation of good news to the poor—proclamation of freedom for prisoners, recovery of sight for the blind, freedom for the oppressed and the year of the Lord’s favor.
Proclamation is not how I would usually describe Jesus’ call. I think of his actions and wisdom teachings; his mysterious, illuminating parables; his radical choices for revolutionary compassion. There is of course the brilliant proclamation of Sermon on the Mount but not much more in the way of sermons. So I’ve been chewing on this word proclamation.
From a biblical perspective, Jesus’ life was a proclamation. Everything he said and did was a public declaration of divine Hope, a declaration of the realm of justice and peace, the kin-dom of God. Empowered by and anointed by the Spirit, his life flowed like a river of mercy and truth. A river of smooth and rough waters but a steady purpose. A declaration life, a proclamation life according to Jesus signifying word-as-action. The living word.
So I wonder, does every spiritually empowered call in some way actively express the same proclamation in fulfilling God’s dream? As a wife, a pastor, a spiritual director, a teacher, an artist, a retreat leader… is there a way to see these calls as proclamations of good news to the poor, proclaiming freedom for prisoners, sight for the blind… proclaiming the year of the Lord’s favor? How about a doctor, lawyer, entertainer, engineer, or anything else?
It is only when I can see the possible connections and possible fruits of every call with Jesus’ own call to proclamation, it is only then that I can truly sense this is the year of the Lord’s favor. Now, in the disorder and darkness of the world, it becomes possible to see grace and light.
That is the deepest discernment empowered by the Spirit.
-Ann Dean, Dayspring Retreat Mission Group
*Luke 4:14-21
Reflection Questions
- What spiritual practice, now or in the past, most opens you to the power of the Spirit?
- Do you see how your call to action is a proclamation of justice and freedom?
- Do you have a spiritual friend or group that supports your spiritual
discernment?
