"When I called, you answered me:
You made me bold and stouthearted."
Psalm 138:3

The readings for the first two Sundays in February are full of images of calling and excuses for not wanting to answer the call. On Feb. 1, Jeremiah tells of being called by God to speak. His reply, and excuse, is "I am but a youth". The "Love" verses of I Corinthians 13 are a call away from childhood -- perhaps an extension of the Jeremiah's excuse for being too young -- "when I became an adult, I put away childish ways".

This week, Isaiah hears the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send?" and Isaiah replies, "Here am I, send me". In Psalm 138, David sings, "When I called, You answered me". Paul speaks about his call to be an apostle, even though he views himself as the least of the apostles. Finally, we have the narrative of the calling of Simon Peter and his companions James and John, the sons of Zebedee, to become fishers of men. (Sorry, but "fishers of persons" just doesn't sound right, even though we know that there are at least as many women as men who are doing the work of God - too many years of singing the old Sunday School song, I'm afraid.)

We are all called by God for some particular purpose. As Pastor Whitener quoted in a recent sermon,
"If you cannot preach like Peter, if you cannot pray like Paul,
 You can tell the love of Jesus, and say He died for all." (Balm of Gilead)

We all have different gifts; therefore we all have different callings. But God is calling each and every one of us to do SOMETHING. We cannot use our age, education, or lack of skill as an excuse. (Remember, Moses also tried to "get out" of leading the Israelites by excuses of inability to speak to the people, and God provided him with Aaron as an assistant.) Sometimes it is more difficult to find out exactly what our call is, but if we prayerfully consider our gifts, we can eventually figure it out. Not everyone can be a missionary in Africa, a preacher, a bishop, or a church celebrity of some kind. Most of us live "normal" everyday lives, and do not even realize that we are making a difference in the world. It always surprises me when someone remembers something I said that made a difference in someone's life.

Romans 12 reads, "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully."

In the "Paths to Wholeness" retreats of the Women of the ELCA that I co-lead, we explore the different types of spirituality, and how all four spiritual types (Crusader, Theologian, Mystic, and Charismatic) are necessary for inclusive worship and work within a congregation.

Now here is a different kind of "call"", one everyone can make. A PHONE call. Is there someone -- a relative, friend, even a casual acquaintance -- whom you think about often, but with whom you seldom speak? Be bold and stouthearted! It's not hard to dial the phone, and say, "Hello, I was thinking about you". You do not have to have a deep, spiritual or religious conversation with that person, simply let them know you care. You never know when someone just needs a boost. Perhaps that person is having a bad day and needs some encouragement or support, or is having a good day and wants to spread some good news. Let the Holy Spirit guide your choice. "Calls" may come from God, but sometimes a human voice can be an adjunct for the voice of God. Try it, you might like it!

"Here I am, Lord, Is it I, Lord?
 I have heard You calling in the night.
 I will go, Lord, if You lead me.
 I will hold Your people in my heart."
Amen
... Hymn 752, With One Voice

Contributed by Rosemary S.
Published Sunday February 8, 2004
Week 11 of Liturgical Year C