What does it mean to be called by the Holy Spirit? Often we think of the idea of someone being called by God to be the rare special person called to do world-changing things. Certainly that sometimes happens. In October we celebrate some of those people and events. October 4 is the day we remember St. Francis of Assisi and his many acts of renouncing worldly wealth, loving God’s creation, and engaging in inter-religious dialogue. His life led a renewal movement in the church. Then on October 31, we remember a later renewal movement in the church, the Reformation.
We recall Martin Luther and the other reformers of his era and the renewed insights on life in the gospel that they brought forth. We can certainly see in these movements a calling from the Holy Spirit.
What about us today, though? Too often we overlook the many ways each of us is called daily be the Holy Spirit.We are called by the Spirit to spend our days in ways that bring renewal in our own lives and in the lives of others. These might not be grand events that all others marvel at, but they are important nonetheless. Perhaps it is a calling to pray; perhaps it is a calling to use our jobs to benefit others; perhaps it is choosing to spend time serving in the church or with those in need. The Holy Spirit still calls each of us daily, empowering us to care for God’s world and God’s people. It can be easy to overlook, but the Holy Spirit is continually there, moving us to hope each day. In other words you – yes you! – are called by the Holy Spirit. That calling brings renewed life, each and every day. What a wonder that is! May we all live out that calling this month and every month.