The Persistent Call
Jesus, why did You call me
to Your work at age 11?
Why make me imagine
my mother’s jubilation
before the ordaining bishop?
At the time, I thought I knew.
It wasn’t my vocation;
it was my mother’s. Whew!
Surely one so sinful wasn’t being called
to work in the Vineyard.
I thought it was over — but You
returned like the hound of heaven.
You wouldn’t let go. Again
You fired me up to enter the seminary.
I thought surely by then I was too old.
Oh, thank God. Free.
Yet again, even in my fear,
Your guiding hand directed me: Enter.
Imagine, a 43-year-old military veteran, fearful?
I gave up, and said yes. And now
after 40 years as a missionary priest,
I say “thank you” for challenging me.
It’s tough to say “no” when given
the opportunity to share Your love
with my brothers and sisters.
