Memorial of Saint Charles Borromeo, Bishop

Lectionary: 485

The gifts and the call of God are irrevocable.




Some scripture scholars study how texts of the Bible have been read throughout the centuries and in many different places. It would be fascinating to read such a history of these words of Saint Paul. 

I remember in particular the statement of Pope John Paul II, early in his papacy, when he reminded the Church that ordination to the priesthood is irrevocable. He said something like, "A gift once given cannot be refused." At the time there seemed to be a revolving door for both priests and religious. Many young people took solemn vows and ordination experimentally. Some couples were doing the same with marriage, "Let's get married and see if it works."

Such an attitude -- for marriage, religious life or the priesthood --  is a guarantee that it won't work. They are undertaking the adventure on their own initiative and severely limited resources, rather than in obedience to God. Only God can guarantee a human word. Only God has the inexhaustible grace to underwrite our good intentions. 

There's a chipmunk in this photo

This verse from Saint Paul's Letter to the Romans expands our understanding of grace and the necessity of faith. As Andrew Greeley once said, "You cannot have a little faith anymore than you can be a little bit pregnant." 

The decision to believe in Jesus either consumes one's whole life or nothing at all. The Big Book says about the Twelve Step way of life, "Half measures availed us nothing." 

For many centuries, ever since the Roman Emperor Constantine, people have described themselves as Christian or Catholic in order to fit in with the majority. That is no longer necessary. Millions of people prosper without any Christian affiliation. Many disavow all religions and live perfectly normal American lives. Their divorce rate is no worse than avowed Christians; their families disintegrate like anyone else's. They suffer stresses and enjoy vacations. For all I know some of them may be filthy rich. 


You don't have to be Christian to get ahead in this world; and if that is your motive for joining the Church, you've missed the train. We may be bound for glory but it won't be in this world's goods. 

"The gifts and the call of God are irrevocable." We belong to God not through any merits of our own but because God has claimed us for himself. Praise God.