Photo: Marcelo Schneider/WCC
On a serene morning, I found myself standing at the breathtaking Öresund Bridge, the very structure that connects Sweden to Denmark. The view was peaceful, yet the message I had come to share was profoundly stirring—a reflection on purpose, calling, and the idea that each of us carries a unique mission, shaped and given by God.
A Message Rooted in Jeremiah’s Calling
I drew inspiration from a familiar and powerful scripture in the Book of Jeremiah. When God first spoke to Jeremiah, He said, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I consecrated you.” Jeremiah, just a young boy filled with doubt and fear, questioned his ability to fulfill this divine mission. But God reassured him, promising strength and guidance. This story speaks to me deeply, and I believe it speaks to everyone. The incredible truth is that God’s love and foresight extend to each one of us, not just to a prophet from ancient times.
We Are All Known and Loved by God
What amazes me is the thought that, just as God knew and consecrated Jeremiah, He knows and consecrates each of us. Before we even entered this world, we were given a purpose, a mission, a sacred calling. And it isn’t reserved for the priests, deacons, or even the Pope. No, this calling is embedded in the fabric of our everyday lives. Whether I’m a parent, a friend, a worker, or simply someone trying to make a difference, I believe God works through my hands, my eyes, and my feet.
Recognizing Sacredness in Ordinary Roles
One of the most moving aspects of our existence is parenthood. I remember visiting friends in Uppsala for their daughter’s confirmation. As she stood there, affirming the promises made at her baptism, I couldn’t help but think of the sacred role her parents had played. They had committed to raising her in the love and knowledge of God, and here she was, confirming those vows. It was a profound reminder to me that parents have a calling unlike any other, a duty to initiate their children into a relationship with God—a role that no priest or teacher can fully replicate.
But the sacredness doesn’t stop there. It extends to our workplaces, our everyday interactions. When I serve someone a meal, write a letter, or offer a kind word, I am fulfilling my mission. I am making God present in those moments. I’ve come to realize that if I don’t bring God’s love into those simple tasks, the opportunity is lost forever.
Embracing Responsibility and Courage
The thought that there’s a task only I can fulfill feels like a heavy responsibility. If I fail to complete that piece of God’s work, there will always be a gap, a missing brick in the wall of His design. Yet, I find comfort in the idea that God doesn’t leave me to face this alone. Like Jeremiah, I sometimes feel inadequate and afraid. But God’s promise remains: His strength will shine through my weaknesses. In those moments of fear, I can trust that God is there, empowering me to live out my calling.
Seeking Strength and Guidance
I often pray for strength and courage—not just for myself, but for all of us. I pray for the Holy Spirit to descend and fill us with the ability to discern God’s will. What is our purpose? What has He set before us to accomplish? These questions are at the core of our existence, and I ask for the clarity to understand and the bravery to act.
A Blessing of Peace
Finally, I hold onto the blessing that God’s peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds. This peace is not only for me but also for those I love, for those I pray for, and for all whom I serve. Living out this calling is not just a task—it’s a sacred journey, one where every action has the potential to reveal God’s presence and love.
May we all find the strength and courage to fulfill the unique calling God has placed on our lives. And may we always remember that even in our moments of doubt, God is with us, empowering us to bring His love into the world.
