Called to be Loved – 17 January, 2021

John 1:43-51

Consider Simon, Andrew, Philip, and Nathanael, who were called to be followers in John 1:35–51. These are ordinary men who had occupations similar to others during Jesus’ time. From these followers, and their witnessing to Jesus’ words and deeds, came more followers. As they traveled from territory to territory, their own words and deeds were a call to others to become followers. Simon, who became Peter, was especially singled out and called to a prominent role of leadership. It was not something that he was looking for, and certainly it was not something that came easily. It is after all, Peter who denied Jesus three times. But he and the disciples recognized Jesus and proclaimed his identity and reality, and participated in the mission and ministry of Jesus. . .

There is no doubt in my mind that there are more people than can be counted who have been called by God and have responded to that call sooner or later. –– Virginia S. Wendel

1 Corinthians 6:12-20

A few years ago, I was talking with group of grade school children about the presence of God in all things. When I asked them to start naming where they thought God was, they answered quickly: “In the classroom! In the playground! In nature! In the kitchen! In my heart! All over the world!” Once they quieted down a bit, I added, “How about in the bathroom!?”

“EEEEEW!” was their immediate response. How could God possibly want to be in the bathroom with them?!

I suggested that if God made them, then that meant that they were good, which also meant that every part of them was good. So why wouldn’t God be with them in the bathroom just as God is with them in church or at school? And if God is with us there, then God is surely with us in the bedroom, rejoicing with us as we treat our bodies, and those of our beloved, with the kind of holy awe that they deserve, as parts of the body of Christ, temples of the Holy Spirit, and vehicles with which we can glorify God. –– Daphne Burt

1 Samuel 3:1-10 [11-20]

“Speak, for your servant is listening.” If only these words could just roll right off our lips. Obviously, these are not easy words to speak. The story of Samuel is a good example of how God calls and continues to call, especially when we think that it is not for us ordinary folks that God calls. However, the reality is, God does. –– Virginia S. Wendel

How does God speak to us when we, like Samuel (who was probably only a few yards from the Ark of the Covenant in the temple), place ourselves in God’s presence? If we reply to God’s call on our lives with Samuel’s words, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening,” how do we take time truly to listen and faithfully to respond? Are we really prepared for God to work at any place, at any time, and through anyone God chooses? –– Phyllis Vos Wezeman

Daphne L. Burt, an ELCA pastor, has served in church and college settings as pastor or chaplain in Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Virginia, Illinois, North and South Carolina, and Tennessee. She has a DMin from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago.

Phyllis Vos Wezeman, president of Active Learning Associates, formerly served as director of Christian Nurture at First Presbyterian Church of South Bend, Indiana, as adjunct faculty at several institutions, lecturer and author of numerous articles and books in Christian education.

Virginia S. Wendel is the Health Care Coodinator for the Cenacle Sisters, Chicago, Illinois.

Homily Service 42, no. 1 (2009): 97-106.