Vocation and Call

The concept of the call lies at the heart of Christian spirituality. It is part of the life of the people who followed God and who have followed Jesus. This is very obvious within the Scriptures. It is central to the relationship between the divine and the human person.

In the Scriptures, God first called humanity to respond to his invitation to come and be with him. It is first a call into existence. (Gen 1:1 – 2:3 and Gen 2: 18-25)

Therefore our first call is to be ‘HUMAN.’ God calls human beings. It is through our creation that we are in partnership with God. “I will be your God and you shall be my people. We are called into relationship!

Second call for the Christian comes at ‘BAPTISM.’ We are called into the fullness of Christ and become one body and one spirit in Christ. Jesus called humanity to God, to be partners; co-workers; co-creators. Jesus therefore is the ‘one who calls.’ All men and women therefore receive God’s general call and each responds in specific way!

Call Within The Scriptures:

Within the scriptures there is a pattern found in several of the call narratives:
Judges 6: 11-40 (Gideon). Jeremiah 1: 4-10. Isaiah 6: 1-13. Luke 1: 26-37 (Mary)

1. The Divine Confrontation:
God or the divine messenger enters the scene. It is clear that a divine encounter is to take place. God enters our human experience.

2. The Introductory Word:
Some explanation statement is given.
It can be a greeting or a clarification for the person.

3.The Commission:
The person receives a direct command or a task that will lie ahead of them.

4.The Objection:
Usually there is a response from the person which is usually negative. The task seems to be impossible for them.

5.The Reassurance:
God or the messenger responds immediately. Assuring the person that the task will not have to be done alone. God’s help and presence will be with them.

6.The Sign:
Not all calls include a sign but many do. It is letting the person know that God is faithful to his word.