The challenge of being called

We have been called to be disciples, to preach the Good News by our lives. S

The call to discipleship that Jesus sounded last Sunday reverberates in our readings this Sunday. Being called and sent by Jesus is an awesome gift and challenge. This Sunday, this challenge is seriously emphasized! 

In the First Reading, the prophet Jeremiah reminds us that his call led him to very difficult places. Jeremiah pours out his complaint to God in a lament. He cries out as an innocent victim who is being pursued by slander and violent threats. This is not a drama by an overwrought prophet. Jeremiah’s life is being threatened and his message that Jerusalem will be destroyed by her enemies is considered absurd by the leaders, both religious and political. Even in his distress at having to share an extremely unpopular prophecy, Jeremiah turns to God, the Lord, with deep confidence. He believes that the Lord will deliver him and avenge his enemies. “Let me witness the vengeance you take on them,” is another way of pleading for justice and the vindication of his prophetic call. Jeremiah continues his lament by praising God, who will bring justice for the poor and lowly! 

This lament is taken up in Psalm 69. Perhaps Jeremiah prayed this psalm, because it begins with the state he is in — insulted, shamed, an outcast. The psalmist follows this difficult path because zeal for God’s house consumes him. He viscerally feels the blasphemy people hurl toward God. From this deep well of despair, the psalmist pleads with God for the bounteous kindness and mercy that God has always shown. This memory of mercy raises the psalmist’s hope and confidence. God hears the poor ones, the downtrodden. All of creation is called to praise God!

The pattern of call, lament at the troubles brought on by the call, vindication through God’s mercy and praise is repeated in the Gospel. Jesus has called the apostles. Now he is very blunt about the troubles that will befall them in the preaching of the Gospel. But the disciples are not to be afraid! They must be bold — proclaiming the Good News of the Reign of God in the light, before everyone. Shouting it from the housetops! And this will bring conflicts and suffering. But vindication is at hand — Jesus tenderly reminds them of God’s love and care — they are more precious than the sparrows which the Creator always remembers. The very hairs of their heads are numbered — showing the intimacy of God’s care. Their bodies may be in harm’s way, but their souls are safe in the arms of the heavenly Father. “So do not be afraid;” the trust that the disciples place in God is gratitude and praise!

Can we see this pattern unfolding in our lives? We have been called to be disciples, to preach the Good News by our lives. Scripture scholar, Diane Bergant, says, “To commit oneself to the Reign of God is to challenge the reign of the world, and this can be very unpopular.” 

How do we bump into that place of being unpopular? By declining to denigrate immigrants or those living in poverty? By limiting our consumerism? By being faithful to Mass and daily prayer? By refusing to share the juicy gossip we have heard? By letting go of hurts to make peace? By turning away from too much screen time so to give quality time to family? Jesus says to us, “Do not be afraid” of being a committed disciple! Be at peace! The joy of faithfulness outweighs the temporary trials of resisting the culture!