Waiting for the Call

June 11, 2006

Matthew 28:16-20

To be a Christian is to always be “on call.”  On this feast of the Most Holy Trinity, we celebrate the mystery that God: Father, Son, and Spirit, has called us into an intimate relationship of love; has made us God’s own daughters and sons. But that relationship is a two way street: not only do we expect things from God but God expects things from us.  God makes us. God saves us. God sends us. God has a plan, a plan for the world, and we are part of that plan. That is why as sons and daughters of God we must always be ready to hear the word “Go”. “Go” is the word that God uses when there is something for us to do. The disciples hear the word in today’s gospel. “Go and make disciples of all the nations.” But this command does not only apply to the first disciples. It applies to all disciples. It applies to us. We must be ready to go.

 “Wait a minute,” you say, “Go where? Do what? Are you sure that God is sending me?” I am sure. To what God is sending you I cannot say, but the fact that God is sending you is not in doubt. Sending is what God does to God’s daughters and sons. God makes us. God saves us. God sends us. If you want to know to what God is sending you, all you need to do is listen. We usually do not listen; and because we do not listen we do not hear; and because we do not hear we imagine that we are not being sent. We wake up each day and we plan our own schedule: first I’ll do this, then I’ll do that, and if there’s time, I’ll fit this in. But how often do any of us take a breath and in all honesty ask the question, “Lord, is there anything you want me to do today?”

I dare you to ask that question. Whether you’re in the fourth grade or you’ve just retired, whether you’re married or you’re single, whether you’re healthy or you’re sick—I dare you to ask, “Lord, is there anything you want me to do today?” I promise you that if you ask, God will answer. It may be in that moment, or an hour later, or a day later; but if you ask, you will hear God say, “Go. Go to that person at work and tell her.  “Go to your friend and ask him. Go to the phone and dial this number. Go to your spouse . . . Go to your daughter . . . Go to your neighbor . . . and do this.”

If you dare to listen, you will hear where God is sending you. What you hear might surprise you. Sometimes when you hear what God wants you to do, it does not seem to fit. It does not make sense. You might even suppose that God is confused and is calling the wrong person. If this is the case, feel free to object. The scriptures are full of people who object to God’s call. Moses says, “I can’t go. I don’t even know how to speak.” Jeremiah says, “I can’t go.  I’m too young.” Isaiah says, “I can’t go. I’m not holy enough.” Even Mary says, “How can this be?  I’m not married.” It’s okay to object. You have the freedom to argue about where God is sending you. It’s all part of the family drama. As sons and daughters of God, we have the right to question, when it seems that God is sending us on some fool’s errand. Just remember that the fact we can object does not mean that God will change the call. God does not act that way. What God tends to do is listen to our objections and say, “Yes, but go anyway, and I will be with you.”

God has a plan, a plan for the world. We are a part of that plan. As sons and daughters of God we must always be ready to be sent. Christians are always “on call.” I dare you to listen. I dare you to sincerely ask the question, “Lord, is there anything you want me to do today?” If you ask, God will answer, and you will soon find yourself going forth to do your Father’s will.