Calling

Abraham Joshua Heschel once said, “It is not enough for me to ask the question; I want to know how to answer the one question that seems to encompass everything I face: What am I here for?”  Like Heschel I also long to discern the answer to the “one question.” I suppose these thoughts are triggered by my realization that any qualification I thought I had to live and work in Kotido were idealistic. However, when I look at my faith community both in North America, and here in Uganda I wonder if “calling” is actually much simpler than I originally thought. None of my friends or family has been called though a burning bush, or given a covenant promise of children outnumbering the stars, but I don’t believe that makes them any less called to do the work they are passionately pursuing.

My observations about “calling” were further shaped a few weekends ago when my host family invited me to attend an ordination service at their church. I was curious about what a Catholic ordination might look like so I readily agreed to attend with them. The service did not disappoint me; there was a huge processional with many groups accompanying the Catholic priests from all over Uganda to the front podium, three choirs were present and performed many selections, and the cathedral had been decorated with yellow flags to symbolize the Holy Spirit coming down.

My favorite part of the service occurred when the facilitating priest announced that it was time for the candidate to come forward; he asked, “Is the man there? Or perhaps he has become frightened and run away.” People laughed; but, from somewhere in the back, the nominee jumped out of his seat and shouted, “I am here.” With his family beside him, they all danced forward joyfully. The congregation was delighted; people burst into song and the ululations were deafening.

The purpose of the ordination was to publicly recognize the new priest; but, the occasion held additional meanings for me. First, it reminded me that our calling from God should be joyfully received; and second, we are surrounded by our faith community for encouragement and support as we pursue that call. Perhaps calling is merely being enthusiastic about the passions God has given us; and using these gift to live with acute awareness that the Kingdom is coming, and every day we are the builders in that Kingdom.