Jonah actually buys a ticket and gets on a boat to flee the Lord and the call to preach against Nineveh. It was just too tough an assignment!
What if Pope Francis had declined the call/invitation/election to become Pope? “I am too old, I have already done my part, it is just too big of a job at this point in my life.” He had plenty of good reasons to decline God’s invitation. Oh, what we would have missed!
We are not simply observers, but actual players on the stage of salvation history. We have unique talents and contributions which the world needs. Most often it is hard to imagine this is the case and scary when we take it seriously.
God works through you and me to make his love known in the world. Step up, trust in God, and let love begin. If we don’t do this, we put others in danger of never knowing God’s love.
—David McNulty works for the Midwest Jesuits. Dave and his wife Judy are grandparents of six.