“For the gifts and call of God are irrevocable.” (Romans 11:29)

While Paul is referring to the Jewish people in this particular quote, it is a statement that is applicable to all people.  God’s call and the gifts, love, and relationship he offers are available to all people whether they realize it or not. 

My father was Baptist and my mother Catholic.  Apparently, my father expected my older brother and me to be raised Baptist, for my older brother was already attending Baptist Sunday school when I was born and I later followed in his footsteps when I started to school. 

Unbeknownst to me, shortly after I was born my family was visiting my mother’s brother, and he suggested to my mother that they slip out of the house, go to nearby Catholic Church and have me baptized in the Catholic Church.  I don’t think my father ever knew about this until much later. 

When I was 13, after having attended the Baptist Church and Sunday School for many years, I asked my mother if I could attend mass with her.  I felt a special reverence and presence that I had not experienced before.  My mother introduced me to a young priest just out of the seminary.  He had amazing musical talents which interested me, and we started getting together on a regular basis which later led to instructions to join the Catholic Church.

Fast forward to when my wife and I experienced prayers for the release of the power of the Holy Spirit in our mid-30’s.  Again, it was a call by God to go deeper in our relationship with him, and he has remained close ever since.  We can stray, but he is always calling us back.  After 63 years of marriage, five children and thirteen grandchildren, meaningful work and ministry, he is still calling. 

How have you responded to his call?