Grace (Part 2)

Main Idea

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III discusses the grace of the divine calling as one of the greatest forms of God’s grace given to humanity. He explains that the calling is not a human decision but a divine choice that proceeds from God’s grace and will. He supports this teaching with biblical examples such as John the Baptist, the Prophet Jeremiah, Samson, Moses, Isaiah, and the apostles, showing how God called His servants at different times and in different ways.

Spiritual Message

Pope Shenouda emphasizes that the divine calling is a great grace that carries responsibility, the cross, and service, rather than merely honor or position. He warns against rejecting or excusing oneself from this calling without spiritual discernment, because a person may reject a grace prepared by God. He also teaches that God calls every person in some way; even if one is not called to the priesthood or monastic life, each believer is called to become a temple of the Holy Spirit and a child of God.

Educational Lesson

The Pope distinguishes between prevenient grace, in which God begins His work before any human effort, and cooperating grace, which accompanies and strengthens the believer once he begins walking with God. He explains that accepting God’s calling requires simplicity and trust rather than constant doubt and hesitation. He also teaches that God prepares and shapes a person before entrusting him with service, as He did with Moses.

Practical Application

The Pope encourages every believer to pray that God would reveal his calling and grant him the grace to respond faithfully. He urges Christians not to resist God’s voice when He calls them to service, consecration, or a holy life. Finally, he encourages believers to live with simplicity of heart and obedience to God, because grace works in the willing heart, strengthens it, and remains with it until God’s purpose is fulfilled in that person’s life.

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