As Jesus was walking along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him. Mark 2:14
In my youth, I thought I heard the same call “Follow me.” and I have always tried to be a follower of Jesus.
There was a time I was full of idealism and I wanted to change the world for Him. I gave my time to the pursuit of a revolutionary ideal and even joined a radical effort to explore new ways of priestly formation. I was in marches, in immersions with the poor and the oppressed, in passionate discussion groups. But I was also always a step away from going fully underground.
I pursued a career, still imbued with the same principles and ideals of my younger days. I shared my time and talent with people whom I worked with, impressing them with my diligence and industry and also with my idealism and commitment. I achieved success well beyond my expectations; but I also succumbed many times to the blandishments of fame, power and fortune.
Whenever I could, Anabelle and I chose to serve whenever and wherever we could. We shared our time, talent and treasure helping the less fortunate, helping in the preparation of young couples for marriage, helping out in civic causes and when calamities struck. We built a home and a family that was open and willing to serve others.
Today, all of that is gone. Radical efforts today means learning the new world and vocabulary of Jonathan and Jane. Work is as simple as bringing and picking them up from school. Service is preparing their meals or helping them with their school work. And yet, I believe the call to follow is still there. And even in the simplicity and humbleness of my daily routine, I am still heeding that call.
Now, I have more time to reflect and share with friends, either by visiting them or calling or writing them or meeting them in cyberspace. I use my talents to keep my relationship with them alive and vibrant through Spirit Moments. I have enough treasure to keep me comfortable and we share not out of our fullness but out of the realization that all the blessings we have received have been gratuitous gifts and which we are willing to share.