Some of the prophets were not very eager to be chosen. Jeremiah protested that he wasn’t really equipped for the job. “I know not how to speak; I am too young” (Jer 1:6). Gideon thought there must be a mistake: “I am the most insignificant in my father’s house” (Judge 6:15). But the most reluctant was Moses – or at least the Bible has a better record of his reluctance.

            When God in the burning bush tells Moses he has come to rescue the Israelites from Egypt, Moses is listening carefully. This has been what everyone has been waiting for. But then God goes on: “” Come now! I will send you to Pharaoh to lead my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt” (Exodus 3:11). Then Moses begins to back pedal. “Who am I that I should go to Pharoah and lead the Israelites out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11). In a series of five exchanges, Moses racks his brain to produce some excuse that will convince God to change his mind. But God has made his choice and is not going to change.

            The feast of the Baptism of the Lord is a celebration of a stubborn God – who called his Son to mission and who stubbornly calls each one of us to mission and ministry. It is our call to make a difference.

            With the billions of people there are in the world, it seems ludicrous for any of us to think that we can make a decision at one point in our lives that will make a difference in the world. “Go, make a difference,” we sing. We can take on the action of Christ which we received (or our parents or guardians received for us and that we accepted later at Confirmation) to participate in the transformation of the world.

            How do we make a difference? The opportunities are endless. For example, write (not e-mail) a letter to a friend you haven’t written to in a while. It isn’t that hard; it doesn’t take that much. Write a brief note on a small piece of paper, put it in an envelope, address the envelope, and take it down to the post office. It will cost you the price of a postage stamp and five minutes of your time to make someone’s day.

            Give of your time, give your talents, and give of your resources to make a difference in other people’s lives. It is the way of greatness. This is the way of God. Answer God’s call.

• Thought for the week: Remember, something wonderful can always happen. In fact, it’s occurring in a million places to a million people at this very moment.
• Smile for the week: Classic bulletin flubs: “Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.”