“HERE I AM LORD – SEND ME!”

Perhaps in listening to scripture week after week people may wonder what all the mighty deeds described in the Bible have to do with them. These stories of visions, prophets, apostles and miracles seem written on a grander scale than ordinary life. But if we listen closely we discern the same questions in these great figures themselves. “I am a man of unclean lips,” cries Isaiah. “I am the least of the apostles, not fit to be an apostle,” Saint Paul says. And Saint Peter protests, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.”

If we ordinary folks can hear ourselves in these demurrals, then we can also see ourselves in the affirmations that follow. God’s call to prophets and apostles is not simply an invitation to be answered; it transforms the recipient, creating in him or her, a whole new person. “Lord, I am not worthy to receive you,” we pray in preparation to receive communion, “but only say the word and I shall be healed.” Let us hear the call and allow God to make us into prophets and disciples, ready to sing God’s praises and call out with Isaiah, “Here I am Lord, send me!”

The call of God in our lives is at once a call to the most profound and to the most practical. Though the invitation of God is to give our whole selves, the manner of our response is typically focused on small, specific actions – right where we live. To what in my life do I need to say, “Here I am Lord?”

• To the child who is having a rough time in school or with friends and could use loving attention?

• To the lonely neighbor who could use a kind friend to listen patiently to the details of his or her life?

• To letting go of an old resentment that is poisoning my heart?

• To the challenge of forgiving someone who hurt me; or to the task of apologizing to someone I have hurt?

• To a distant relative who would love to get a cheery letter, card or e-mail?

• To a situation I’ve been procrastinating about that needs me to be strong and courageous?

• To the inner voice of creativity that feels stifled?

• To a recurring habit of sin that I need to bring into the light of God’s love?

Like Isaiah, Paul and Peter, we all feel unworthy to the task God calls us to. But we are not alone. With God’s help we can do whatever we are called to do. “Here I am Lord, send me!”

Fr. Al Backmann