From The Desk of Deacon Judy

Our Call

Our gospel readings this year on the second and third Sunday of the Epiphany show the call of several disciples: Nathanael, Philip, Andrew, Peter, James, and John. Each of these first disciples decides to follow Jesus. I wonder why? Did they have any idea what their life would be like?

Why do we follow Jesus? When Jesus says “Follow me”, why do we say “Ok”? Do we know what that really means?

When we are baptized we agree to “turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as our savior”, to “put our whole trust in his grace and love”, and to “promise to follow and obey him as our Lord”. I love that we renew our Baptismal vows each time someone is baptized. It helps me remember my call. I feel the same when I attend ordinations and am reminded of my ordination vows as well.

Answering the call isn’t always easy or clear. We are always discerning where God is calling us to be the light and life of Jesus.

One of my favorite songs in the Alleluia III Songbook is The Summons (p. 168). Here are a few verses:

Will you come and follow me if I but call your name? Will you go where you don’t know and never be the same? Will you let My love be shown, will you let My name be known, will you let My life be grown in you and you in Me?

Will you love the ‘you’ you hide if I but call your name? Will you quell the fear inside and never be the same? Will you use the faith you’ve found to reshape the world around, through My sight and touch and sound in you and you in Me?

· When we say “yes” to Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit and deep prayer we become someone new, truly a new creation, transformed, changed, forgiven, redeemed.

· When we say “yes” to Jesus, we realize that we are never alone, that a power greater than ourselves guides us on our journey.

· When we say “yes” to Jesus, we are called to be His light and life, to be His healing presence wherever He leads us.

Jesus is calling. Listen to Him.

Blessings, Judy Q+