Therefore, brothers and sisters, be all the more eager to confirm your call and election, for if you do this, you will never stumble.

—2 Peter 2:10

Dear Friends,

We have seen the enormous amount of news coverage about the election of the new pope. I happened to be in the office yesterday when I was told that there was white smoke, and watched with millions across the world to see who would emerge on the balcony of St. Peter’s. The drama of a secret conclave, the anxious waiting for black or white smoke, and the realization that the person elected is called to be the the spiritual leader of 1.2 billion people — all these things make the election of a new pope a matter of interest to many beyond the Roman Catholic Church.

And yet, the call to each Christian, lay or ordained, is no less momentous an event. Pope Francis I is being called to a particular ministry, but so is each one of us. White smoke and the pealing of bells may not announce to the world that God has an intention for us, but the call is no less profound. The church, gathered as the Body of Christ can be described in many ways. But one description would be this: it is the place where we can be attentive to how God is calling each of us. It is the place where others can help us to see where our gifts align with the needs of the world, where our passion can meet the promises of God that are yet to be accomplished in the human community. And it is the place where we can eagerly watch, pray, and help others to identify their calls.

Yesterday I conveyed the prayers and best wishes of our parish to our brothers and sisters at St. Mary-St. Catherine and St. Francis de Sales Roman Catholic Churches, as they welcomed their new spiritual leader. Today, I pray for us all, that we might continue to discern and confirm the calls that Jesus Christ makes to each of us.

Faithfully,

Tom