On this Sunday, the Church invites us to ponder on our call as Christians and servants of God. A call involves two parties that are the caller and the responder. The caller takes the initiative to reach out while giving an opportunity to the responder to accept the call and enter into a conversation. The conversation may be a life transforming interaction. Just remember the unexpected phone call you received last Christmas. Few days ago, I remembered my former secretary and called her. At first she couldn’t recognize my voice, it has been many years, and then I helped her identify the caller. Then, she got excited and said, “Father you have made my day, I am so happy to hear you. Tomorrow I will celebrate my eighty-sixth birthday.” My God, what a blessing!

Responding to God’s call leads to discipleship, testimony and partnership. Today's readings present us the following people who heard the call and responded positively. Samuel the Seer received God’s call to be the transitional leader in the history of Israel. Not being familiar with the ways of God, Samuel had to seek guidance from Eli the judge and priest of Israel. Samuel remained with Eli in the Temple God’s dwelling on earth, to show his discipleship. Samuel testified to Eli what God revealed to him. Samuel cooperated faithfully with God in the fulfillment of God’s mission to Israel. The above is summed up in the following verse, “Samuel grew up, and the Lord was with him, not permitting any word of his to be without effect.” (1 Sam 3: 19)

Apostle Paul, being one of those who received God’s call, exhorts us to acknowledge that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit and treat our bodies as they are indeed, the dwelling places of the Holy Spirit. Paul gives us the instruction as a true disciple of Christ, who bears witness and is a co-worker with the Lord Jesus.

In the Gospel the first disciples of Jesus heard the testimony of John Baptist, followed Jesus and stayed with him. They also became disciples. As soon as he became a disciple, Andrew went to give testimony to his brother Simon and brought him to Jesus. While Jesus was still recruiting his disciples, Andrew brought him one. So Andrew became a partner with Jesus in his mission. Hence, the person called and the receiver of the calling are both invited to be representatives of Christ in the circumstances in which they live and work.

John the Baptist bore a testimony that was very exceptional, that of identifying Jesus as the Lamb of God. John bore witness that he was sent to prepare the way of the Lord by proclaiming repentance and remission of sins. In truthfulness and humility, John pointed out Jesus as God’s sacrifice for the salvation of the world. The disciples left John the Baptist and went to stay with Jesus and be his partners.

In the liturgy of baptism we were anointed with holy Chrism, fragrant oil which is the symbol of Christ’s Sanctifying power that confirms our calling. As we continue to respond to God’s call in our daily living through discipleship, testimony and partnership the holy fragrance fills the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit for eternal salvation.