Daily HOMILY for October 2, 2013: Commissioning Service, Cycle C

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Commissioning Service
St. Luke Institute
October 2, 2013

JESUS’ CALL ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  When J calls Lazarus out at the tomb, he issues a call that is personal, precise, and powerful

A PERSONAL CALL +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  It’s personal. Calls Lazarus by name 2 come forth

Ø  That call for no one else that day, but 4 Lazarus

Ø  Note it was customized & designed 4 him alone

Ø  So be advised, when the Lord comes calling 4 U, he will come as an individual, it will be relational & he will come 4 U personally

A PRECISE CALL +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  The call was precise and very clear at the tomb. Lazarus is told exactly what he’s to do  "Come forth!"

Ø  The words “Come forth” leave no doubts re what Lord wants of him

Ø  Similarly, when we receive it, the call to come forth will be from an old way of being to a new way

Ø  It’ll be to come forth from addiction or an unhealthy lifestyle & 2 walk w/ him

Ø  His call will be to turn from way of thinking and acting to another, that’s open 2 the newness of life

A POWERFUL CALL ++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  Finally, the call is a powerful one for Lazarus

Ø  It brings him out of death & darkness in2 light & life

Ø  It changes everything for him forever

Ø  When call is heeded, has power & potential 2 have profound change in how I C things & choices I make

Ø  It can penetrate the blindness & deadness of past mistakes & awaken the lost person in me to his/her need of the Lord

CONCLUSION ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  If Jesus had not passed by where Lazarus lay dead & called him 2 life, he would have rotted in that grave

Ø  Yet, at his command he is alive!

Ø  Because of J’s saving presence, he’s able 2 meet w/ & embrace family & friends

Ø  He’s able 2 have fellowship again w/ those he loves

Ø  He is alive

Ø  And the good news in Bill’s 6-months w/ us and his commissioning today is that the Lord continues 2 pass by as we lie in our tombs w/ promise of new life 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++