In both the First and Second Testaments, we find women who were called by God and responded to God’s guidance amid uncertainty and confusion. Hagar and Mary illustrate the significance of listening to God’s voice when the path ahead is not yet clear.
Hagar, cast into the wilderness after bearing Ishmael, heard an angel ask: “Where have you come from, and where are you going?” (Gen 16:8). Though lost and afraid, she listened, obeyed, and experienced God’s care, naming the place Beer-lahai-roi – “the well of the Living One who sees me.”
Similarly, Mary, a young woman from Nazareth, was called by God to be the mother of Jesus. When the angel Gabriel appeared to her with this astonishing message, she also had questions: “How will this be?” (Luke 1:34). Though perplexed, she did not doubt but responded with faith and surrender, accepting God’s plan: “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38).
Both women faced questions about their journeys. Their stories invite reflection.
Like Hagar and Mary, God sees and calls you. Will you listen, trust, and step forward in faith?
Many other people in the Bible received a vocational message from God, and acted upon it, even if they felt reluctant or inadequate.
Judges and prophets, like Isaiah and Jeremiah, were called to speak God’s message to the people of Israel; fishermen like Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John were called to leave their nets and follow Jesus.
The stories of women like Ruth, Deborah, Mary Magdalene, and Phoebe provide further inspiring examples of lives shaped by a divine calling. Ruth demonstrated loyalty and faithfulness in leaving her home for an uncertain future. Deborah showed courage and discernment as a leader and prophetess, guiding her people in accordance with God’s will. Mary Magdalene remained steadfast at the cross and became the first witness to the Resurrection, entrusted to proclaim God’s message. Phoebe exemplified leadership and service in the early Church, carrying God’s work faithfully into her community.
The call of Abrahm Gen 12,1-5
Hagar: listened to and seen by God in the desert Gen 16,1-16 and 21,8-21
Moses and the burning bush Ex 3,1-12
Joshua to succeed Moses Num 27,12-23; Dt 3,21-28 and 31,1-23
Deborah: prophetic and courageous leadership Jdg 4-5
God calls a prophet, Gideon Jdg 6,1-6 and 11-24
Ruth: faithfulness and a fresh start Rt 1-4
The call of Samuel 1 Sam 3,1-10
Esther: courage to save the people Est 4,12-17
Isaiah’s commission Is 6,1-8
The call of Jeramiah Jer 1,4-19
The hidden treasure and the pearl Mt 13,44-46
The rich young man Mt 19,16-22
Jesus calls his first disciples Mk 1,16-20; Lk 5,1-11; Mt 4,18-22
The call of Bartimaeus Mk 10,46-52
Mary, mother of Jesus: called to divine motherhood with faith and surrender Lk 1,26-38
Martha and Mary: service and listening Lk 10,38-42; Jn 11
The first disciples: “Come and see!” Jn 1:35-51
The Samaritan woman: an encounter that transforms and sends Jn 4,1-30
Mary Magdalene: witness to the Resurrection Jn 20,11-18
Jesus asks Peter if he loves him Jn 21:15-18
The communal aspect of God’s call at Pentecost Acts 2
Phoebe’s faithfulness Rom 16,1-2
Paul acknowledges his personal call 1 Cor 15,8-10; Gal 1,15-17
If you are looking for help in reading, studying and praying with the Bible, try these online resources: