The call of God is one which we,
Gathered throughout eternity,
Are not at any substantial liberty
To ignore, deny, or from which to flee.

At first, it comes in the quiet night
Of a Soul still lost, without The Light.
It calls, it beckons, even despite
A weakened faith, or a trouble life.

We cannot fathom, or even define
The reasoning of the Eternal Divine.
It seems so absurd, we finally decide,
That “Christ has lost His Holy Mind.”

But then, from the background, a voice arises,
Which calls attention to God’s horizons.
The voice which calls us to preach the Word,
And celebrate God’s mysteries here in the world.

This is a calling to ministry,
A calling to service with humility.
A calling of Christ to us, though unworthy,
A calling to you and to me.

To thank our friends and colleagues here
Is all so good and well and dear.
But to thank Our Lord and God above
Is more fitting for this unworthy one.

So, thank you God for calling me
To become a part of this community.
For it is an honor and privilege so
To serve with your children here below.

Gregory S. Neal +
June, 1994