LISTENING TO THE VOICE
Updated: Aug 27
Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
"Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" (Mt. 16:13-20)
As human beings, it is in our nature to wonder about what people think about us and who we are. What do others think of us? “What is our true nature and motives?” At this time of year, when citizens are once again running for political office at various levels, this is a common theme. Pollsters, lobbyists, campaign committees, pundits, and 30-second commercials attempt to ask and answer these questions. In some cases, words are positive and paint candidates in a wonderful light. At other times, the words can be harsh and ultra-critical. Even amongst friends and colleagues, one can receive a gamut of responses.
In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus poses this question to his disciples, first asking about the opinion of others, before asking his closest confidants. In many cases, asking those closest to you can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, your closest companions who know you best may come across as blunt and critical, while others may just tell you what you want to hear. If one is lucky, they have good friends who will give them an honest and well-balanced “critique” of you which is positive and uplifting, yet provides constructive insight to allow one to grow and be better.
Today, I had an interesting conversation with a colleague who called me into her office to explain to me how I should pursue an opportunity to teach a different class. What she told me was that others could benefit from my personable demeanor, intellectually stimulating thoughts, and ability to connect. Now, this is not a colleague who would come across as a sycophant or be prone to obsequious behavior, so I appreciated her words of encouragement. She obviously sees some traits in me that I don’t necessarily see in this moment. After our conversation, I thanked her for her kind words, but I declined her offer. It did make me pause afterwards and think about if I was selling myself short. “Was I afraid to take this risk?” “Was I afraid to fail?”
I found myself being envious of the disciples who had the strong faith which allowed them to be open to the words of Jesus and that they felt compelled to minister to the world. I compare their tale to two young men I know, Rick and Tim. These two young men, ages 18 and 17, I am proud to say I have gotten to know over the years. Young leaders, scholars, and role models who come from different religious traditions. One is Catholic, and the other, Evangelical. Despite their different worldviews, both of them, at a young age, have decided to enter the field of ministry. After speaking with them on separate occasions, both have expressed how they feel “called” to pursue the ministry. The “call,” I believe, comes from no one but the Heavenly Father. How fortuitous for these young men to know exactly what their ministry in life should be and to have decided to pursue it.
“Do you think that you have received ‘The Call’ from God?” “What ministry are you called to serve?”
Author: Isaac E. Chandler currently resides in Jasper, FL. He has a B.S. in Biology from The Florida A&M University and an M.A., in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation from the University of Florida. He is currently a high school science teacher. He is a member of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus Catholic Church in Jasper, FL., and Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Live Oak, FL., where he serves as a lector and assists with music ministry. After spending a week and a half this summer binging on the Olympics, he is most anxious about the upcoming 2024 Election Season.
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