We don't have hurricanes, we don't have earthquakes, we don't have alligators. We don't have hurricanes, we don't have earthquakes, and we don't have alligators! BUT....in New England we do have a little snow every now and then. The unpredictability of New England weather brings with it a lot of unpredictability for all of us.
That unpredictability was on full display during last weekend's snowstorm. On Saturday, Fr Jim gave a beautiful homily on Luke's "Fishers of Men" Gospel and what it means to be called. To be called is to accept our God-given purpose in life. Fr. Jim shared that his calling was to "bring souls home." He then shared a story of a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War who flew many refugees out of Saigon. One of those refugees was a child who went on to become a physician. In the last stages of the pilot's life, the physician whom he flew out of Saigon as a child cared for him - he helped "bring the pilot home" just as the pilot brought him home.
On Sunday, Deacon Tom was called to lead a Communion Service as Fr Jim was unable to get to Hopedale due to the snow. Deacon Tom also gave a beautiful homily on being called. He noted that the people that were in attendance were "called" to be there in the midst of a storm.
Jesus always seems to meet people where they are and speaks to them in a way that they can understand. No matter your career, education, or culture, Jesus is calling you to come and follow him.
Fishing (and weather) is unpredictable and requires patience and risk. As the fishermen cast their nets out into the water, Jesus is asking us to cast the gospel message out to people and try to catch their hearts. We do this by the way we speak and the way we treat others. What is God calling you to do and how do you answer that call?
Pam
PS - A big THANK YOU to all of Sunday's liturgical ministers, as every single person came to do their part so that the Gospel message could be shared beautifully with the greater community. I am so proud and blessed to be part of this community!