"Answering the Call" **Sermon for 5 Epiphany C, 9 February 2025**


“What do you want to be when you grow up?”

            Now, it has probably been a long time since someone asked you that question.  Perhaps as far back as elementary school or even high school.  Common answers, especially in elementary school include police officer, firefighter, teacher, and doctor.

Do you remember what you answered?  Maybe your answer even changed over time.  Perhaps your career may have changed over time.  Gone are the days when people devoted 40 years to one company or to one career.  Second and third careers are much more common

            This morning, we hear the call stories of the prophet Isaiah and of Jesus’ first followers.  Normally we tend to think of calls in relation to clergy and the religious.  Such vocations are a calling.  Monks, nuns, and priests and deacons are not the only calls, however.

            God calls each of us.  As we heard from the Apostle Paul a few weeks back, God has a part for each of us play (I Corinthians 12).  Each of us has been given specific gifts for a part only we can play.  No one is equipped just as you are for your God-given calling.

            Our former BP loved to say, “if you are still breathing, God is calling.”  God’s call knows no age or expiration date.  So, how do you and I know what God is calling us to?  Our call is most frequently related to our gifts and skills.  We can find our calling where we find joy and fulfillment.

            Say you love children and enjoy spending time with them.  Maybe God is calling you to join our Sunday School team.

            Or maybe you love to cook.  Perhaps God might be calling you to feed others as part of our monthly Canteen ministry. 

            The possibilities are truly endless!  All that is needed is an open heart and a willingness to be used by God.  What is preventing you from answering the call?  The good news is that you and I are not alone.  God with Us is in the boat with us.  God’s Holy Spirit equips us to go out into the deep waters.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Happy New Year!!

 Well, almost . . .  Soon, those of us who follow a lectionary, will enter Year C.  The lectionary is a three-year cycle of Scripture readings appointed for use during the Sunday services.  Many churches (the Episcopal, Evangelical Lutheran, Roman Catholic, and United Methodist to name few) use The Revised Common Lectionary.  A lectionary helps much of the Bible to be read (and heard) and prevents a random selection of favorite passages by preachers. Each of the three years in the lectionary is focused on one of the Gospels.  Year A of the lectionary features Matthew.  Year B (which we are just finishing) showcases Mark, with some John as well.  Year C centers on Luke's account of Jesus' life and ministry.  Matthew, Mark, and Luke are the backbone of the lectionary because they share many of the same stories about Jesus' teachings and healings.  They are called the "synoptic" gospels for that reason. It may seem rather odd to begin a new...
Read more

"A Man of No Name" ** sermon for Proper 25 Year B**

             Do you know what your name means?   Dawn, of course, means “break of day.”   Matthew means “gift of God.”   Linda means “beautiful” or “pretty.”   William means “resolute protector; will, desire; helmet, protection.”   I hated my name growing up.   I was the only Dawn in a sea of Jennifers and Michelles. You may recall in the Biblical world that names mean things.   Names are given to emphasize character traits or to recall circumstances surrounding the birth.   Esau is born hairy, hence his name.   Names also change in response to an encounter with God.   Jacob becomes Israel.   Simon is called Peter. Perhaps you also remember that to name something is to have power over the named.   Like when Adam names the creatures in Genesis 2.   The naming process gives Adam control over God’s creatures.   When I worked at Burger King college, I hated that people called me by m...
Read more

"E Pluribus Unum" ** a sermon for 25 Pentecost**

  I have here a quarter.  Obviously, this is a fake quarter.  That makes it easier to see.  What does it say on the back of the quarter?  Anyone remember?  E pluribus unum.  One out of many.  That’s America’s motto.  Unity, however, does not equal uniformity.  Nor is unity about glossing over differences. Unity is about going beyond what divides us.  Unity is about being able to find the common ground and focusing on those things we all share.  For example, we all want some of the same things.  We want safe communities in which to raise families.  All of us want adequate access to food, shelter, and health care. Some of us may be rejoicing.  The election has “gone their way.”  Others are in mourning.  The election left them in despair.  That makes this a very tender time for our nation and our communities.  Emotions are running high this past week, on both sides.  I want you to know that ...
Read more