Ghanaian Catholic MPs urged to embrace divine calling for national goodness

Director of the Directorate of Governance, Justice and Peace at the National Catholic Secretariat and Chaplain to Parliament, Rev. Fr. Michael Kobina Ackon Quaicoe has called on Catholic legislators to recognise and embrace their divine calling for the good of the country.

The legislators were reminded of their calling when they convened to seek divine guidance and pray for peace for the country ahead of the general elections in December on July 24.

Fr. Quaicoe encouraged the lawmakers to know that they have what it takes to accomplish their tasks as members of parliament saying that, “God has already placed within us what it takes to accomplish the mission.”

Drawing from biblical narratives where individuals, despite initial reluctance, found purpose and strength through divine intervention, Fr. Quaicoe said “The reason why God gives us a call is because He has already placed within us what it takes to accomplish the mission.”

He however pointed out the sanctity and specificity of each individual’s call, citing the prophet Jeremiah: “Before you were conceived, I knew you. Before you were born, I consecrated you.” This divine consecration, he explained, signifies being set apart and appointed for a purpose.

“When God called you, it wasn’t a conference call. It was a particular call to you in person. In the hope that you will accomplish that particular task.”

“The knowledge of God that he’s talking about is not merely a cognitive possession of facts about us. It means that he knows everything about you. and loves you as you are. And regardless of all that brokenness, He trusts that you can accomplish a certain mission. It means that everyone of us has a particular mission. I wonder what yours is. I don’t mean just being an MP or working in any capacity. I mean that with that particular calling what is God wanting you to do?” he asked.

“The task ahead demands that we acknowledge God’s call upon our lives,”  Fr. Quaicoe continued. “If we fail to appreciate this, we risk pursuing our own agendas without seeking God’s guidance, making ourselves the arbiters of our actions.”

Fr. Quaicoe’s message resonated with MPs grappling with the complexities of governance and leadership balanced with Catholic teaching.

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“Sometimes the task will mean tearing down things that are contrary to God’s will and contrary to the good of people so you have to tear them down. Some of the things you have to destroy. You ought to be able to identify those that have to be destroyed. We have to fight evil. We have to destroy evil. And there are times we have to plant. Sew seeds of goodness. And there are times we have to build up. Especially those who are weak. So it is up to us to know that we have been called to find for ourselves what our particular calling is,” he said.

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