Psalm 19:7–14 Wisdom 7:24–28 Ephesians 2:17–22 John 14:23–26
Today is the feast day of Gregory of Nyssa. In a way, today is for any of us who are prone to succumb to peer pressure.
Although peer pressure usually carries a negative connotation, it doesn’t necessarily have to. It can often be the push we need to pursue something out of our comfort zone.
Gregory of Nyssa initially decided not to become a priest. But after prayer and persuasion from family and friends, he reconsidered—and he went on to contribute to the development of the Nicene Creed and the concept of the Trinity. He became one of the early saints in Christianity.
Modern society provides little reflective time for us to consider our true talents. We often use our young adult years to decide what path we must take in our personal and professional lives, but it may not be until later that we discover what gifts we have to offer family, friends, and society.
We are all given spiritual gifts, but it is up to us as to how we use what the Holy Spirit has given us (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). Often our feelings of unhappiness or lack of fulfillment may be because we have not discovered how we are called to serve. Like Gregory of Nyssa, having loving and honest relationships with our loved ones can help us in our path of discovery to figure out our true calling.
However, peer pressure isn’t always necessary. Sometimes what is needed most is solitude for a period of meditation and prayer.
During this time of Lent, what will you reconsider? How can modifying your current path perhaps bring you greater fulfillment and change the world around you?
–Wande Johnson