With A Deep Sense of Vocation

Things had really changed for the man named Saul. He had the name of Israel's first king--not a great one, but a king nevertheless. Now he had taken to himself the name of "Little One," Paulos in Greek. It was because he saw himself as the chief of sinners, unworthy to be called a follower of Christ, let alone an apostle.

But here he was--a man with a calling and a purpose! That's how he starts out his letter to the Corinthian Christians: "Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God."

How few of us go around feeling we have a purpose and a calling from God. What a difference it makes when you do. The whole idea of vocation or calling changes everything. The Reformation lifted up the ordinary believer to an exalted position by helping us all to reclaim this teaching. Now each believer can rejoice in the mundane and daily tasks of his or her calling. It is a high calling from God to be husband, wife, father, mother, fireman, scientist, farmer, etc.

Paul, the little one, saw the hand of God reach out to him to bring faith in the cross of Christ. His calling was to proclaim that wondrous Good News most especially to the non-Jewish Gentile world. So he begins, with a proud and deep sense of vocation. The very will of God is being accomplished through him. Listen up!

My prayer is that each one of us may approach the tasks of today with that same deep sense of being called. He who calls, also promises to be with us, to bless and guide as we go about our vocations.