During the past few months there has been much discussion at
church concerning ministry. Small groups
as well as the Wednesday night Lenten series have focused on gifts, call and
ministry –none of which can be separated from the other. Many people have been under the misguided
notion that ministry is not about them, but only about those who are called
into ordained ministry or church work.
Then there are those who believe in some way that we are all called but that some callings
are higher than others. Or some might
believe that some callings mean that person is closer to God than others. In my
experience this is not true at all. Let
me tell you just a little about a few ministers in my life from whom I learn so
much concerning God.
- · A social worker who tirelessly advocates for at risk and abused children.
- · An attorney who has made positive changes in a corrupt system.
- · A doctor who sees many people for no pay – understanding from where they come.
- · A teacher of special needs children. She keeps doing it as there is such a need and she is fed.
- · One who prepares amazing food for not only the body but for the soul.
- · A priest who brings the Gospel to life within me.
- · A father who gives tirelessly to his children with unconditional love.
- · A psychologist who helps many come to peace with conflicts inside of them.
- · One who works with peacemaking and reconciliation.
- · A poet whose words help me to see God dancing in the world.
- · Friends who have begun an organization to raise money so that girls in Kenya can have an education, thus the promise of a brighter future.
- · One who finds homes for others and develops meaningful relationships with those she serves.
- · ___________________________________________________________________
This list could go on and on. These are just a few examples of people who have
shown me God. I am different because my
life has been touched by them. We come
to church to be reminded of who we are and to whom we belong. We come to eat and drink of the holy meal of
Christ. We come to be empowered to go
out into the world to be who we are called to be.
Spend a little time thinking about what piece of God’s
vision is yours. We are each given just
a little of God’s vision to live out. I
can’t do that if I am trying to be like someone else. Vocation or calling is about being our true
self, to mature into the person in whom God delights. Frederick Buechner says: “The place God calls
you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”
What part of the vision has God imparted to you? May we come together in this great family to
search out this vision and be empowered through our shared meal and prayer to
go out and bring Christ into the world!
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