There is a very popular hymn used at funerals, “Here I Am Lord.” I am sure you are all familiar with it. To a casual listener, it sounds very appropriate. Here are the lyrics:
I the Lord of sea and sky; I have heard my people cry; All who dwell in dark and sin; My hand will save. I have made the stars of night; I will make their darkness bright; Who will bear my light to them? Whom shall I send? Refrain: Here I am Lord. Is it I Lord? I have heard You calling in the night. I will go Lord. If You lead me. I will hold Your people in my heart.
However, the song was written for an ordination. It is a call to serve the Lord by serving His people. Look at it again. “I have heard my people cry.” (I think this might be where mourners plug in to the song.) “All who dwell in dark and sin… Who will bear my light to them? WHOM SHALL I SEND?”
The refrain is an answer to the Lord’s call. “Here I am Lord….I will go Lord.”
As Catholics, our past culture has conditioned us to think of calling as something that happens only to those who enter the priesthood or religious life. Historically, these two groups took on most of the active, hands on work of ministry to needs represented in church and community. But that has changed out of necessity.
A look at the New Testament shows clearly, particularly the writings of St. Paul, that every Christian is “called”. To embrace that call is what it means to live out our Christian identity. There are many different callings or vocations. Yes, the priesthood and religious life are primary and important vocations. But so is your vocation as wife or husband, parent, teacher, helper, healer, food producer, fixer, encourager, etc. etc. These and more are all valid and vital vocations. (More next week.)
The Lord be with you. Fr. Sid