Title : Answering God’s Call

 

 

 

My brothers and sisters,

 

Neither the boy Samuel or the adult Philip, called by God and Jesus respectively, were ordinary servants. Samuel who was more than an ordinary servant, was called by God as a boy while he served under the guidance of Eli in the Temple.  Samuel fulfilled the following roles in the life of Israel; He was a Judge, a military leader, seer, prophet, king maker, priest and a loyal servant of God.  He played a significant role in Israel’s transition from the judges to the monarchy.  He anointed both Saul and David as kings in Israel. In 1 Samuel Chapter 3, Samuel is a model of one who is completely responsive and obedient to God’s call with his response, “Speak Lord your servant is listening.” This demonstrates that our response to God’s call should be two-fold - active listening and obedient action.

 

This is also evident in the call of Philip, who responded immediately to Jesus’ invitation to, “follow me.” Instantly after this he found Nathaniel and told him, “We have found Him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph” (John 1:45).   This demonstrates Philip’s willingness to communicate the good news of Jesus’ coming, which would indicate that Philip was more than an ordinary servant; he was a great evangelist.  As we reflect on the call of Samuel and Philip, let us ask ourselves: “How and where is God calling us to be and go?”

 

The following from Oswald Chambers, author and preacher, is instructive:

 

The call is God’s idea, not our idea, only on looking back over the path of obedience do we realize what is the idea of God; when we hear the call of God, it is not for us to dispute with God, and arrange to obey him, if he will expound the meaning of His call to us.  As long as we insist on having the call expounded to us, we will never obey; but when we obey, it is expounded, and looking back there comes a chuckle of confidence,

 

“He has done everything well.”

 

Brothers and sisters, young and not so young, God is calling you.  I hope you can say like Samuel, “Speak Lord your servant is listening” or like Philip, to follow immediately and to seek out someone to join you in following Christ.

 

Blessings and may God give you the strength and faith to respond.

 

Yours in Christ,

Patrick+


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By Anne Spence-Morris April 23, 2026
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By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham April 14, 2026
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Hands cupped around a lit candle in a dark setting, flame glowing.
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Advent wreath with four lit candles, purple and pink, with greenery and lights.
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By Anne Spence-Morris April 23, 2026
Easter reminds us we are God’s family - called to love, support, and care for one another, especially our homebound brothers and sisters.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham April 14, 2026
Christ’s resurrection is a present reality offering life, hope, and faith today, calling the Church to embrace change, inclusivity, and inspire hope through faithful leadership.
By The Rt. Rev. Leon Paul Golding April 10, 2026
Easter celebrates Christ’s resurrection, bringing salvation and hope, and calls us to live out our faith by spreading love, justice, and transformation in the world.
By Beverley March 28, 2026
Palm Sunday reminds us Jesus came in humility, not power. True greatness is serving others - follow Him, surrender pride, and walk in love.
By Denelle March 28, 2026
God brings life to hopeless situations. Trusting the Spirit leads to peace, renewal, and hope, even in life’s lowest moments.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham March 16, 2026
Laetare Sunday pauses Lent to rejoice in hope and light. It reminds us of Christ’s coming resurrection and calls the Church to nurture faith with compassion.
By Dr. Jean Lee March 9, 2026
God provides living water through Jesus Christ. Those who come to Jesus and believe in Him will have their spiritual thirst satisfied and receive eternal life.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham March 2, 2026
God’s love, shown in Jesus, offers eternal life and calls us to love God and one another as we journey through the Lenten season.
By Sharon Ely Pearson Church Publishing February 23, 2026
Lent is a 40-day season of preparation, repentance, and renewal, rooted in early Church practice, calling Christians to self-reflection, baptismal readiness, and almsgiving.
By Deaconess Elaine Cunningham February 16, 2026
Looking to God, not the mountains, we find help. In silence and solitude, we feel God’s love and are shaped to live love over power.
Pastor in green religious vestment smiles in a church setting.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham February 8, 2026
Discover how Jesus’ call to be salt and light shapes discipleship beyond Sunday worship, uniting faith, service, and witness at St. Luke’s Church.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham February 2, 2026
Jesus’ Beatitudes provides us a manifesto for Christian living, revealing God’s favor, our calling in Christ, and attitudes shaped by grace.
Grilled chicken wings on flatbread, with side dishes of salad and tomatoes.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham January 5, 2026
Next to Easter, Epiphany is the oldest season of the Church year, and the Day of Epiphany is one of the Church’s great festivals.
Woman in church, greeting others. Others sit or stand in pews. Yellow walls, wood benches.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham January 5, 2026
It is with mixed emotions that we welcome the New Year, 2026, after the western part of our island experienced the devastation of the Category 5 hurricane Melissa.
Wooden ornament on a Christmas tree that says Merry Christmas.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham December 29, 2025
Christmas embodies hope, peace, joy and love, reminding us God works through humility, sustains us in hardship, and offers hope and peace to all.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham December 22, 2025
Advent calls us to Emmanuel—God with us—bringing hope after Hurricane Melissa as we share Christ’s love through compassion and service.
By Reverend Elizabeth Riley December 15, 2025
On this Third Sunday of Advent, let us focus on Joy rooted in Emmanuel - God with us - who brings hope, healing, and light beyond suffering.
Hands cupped around a lit candle in a dark setting, flame glowing.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham December 7, 2025
Second Sunday of Advent: a message of Peace, Hope, and Christ’s presence as we rebuild after Hurricane Melissa and renew our mission as God’s people.
Advent wreath with four lit candles, purple and pink, with greenery and lights.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham December 7, 2025
A reflection on the First Sunday of Advent—celebrating hope, Christ’s coming, and faith that sustains us through challenges like Hurricane Melissa.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham November 25, 2025
In a year of loss after Hurricane Melissa, we give thanks for life, courage, and resilience, trusting Christ the King who reigns and restores amid our trials.

Faith and Politics: Rev. Peter Espeut to Lead St. Luke’s Annual Lecture on the Church’s Role in Society

By Anne Spence-Morris April 23, 2026
Easter reminds us we are God’s family - called to love, support, and care for one another, especially our homebound brothers and sisters.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham April 14, 2026
Christ’s resurrection is a present reality offering life, hope, and faith today, calling the Church to embrace change, inclusivity, and inspire hope through faithful leadership.
By The Rt. Rev. Leon Paul Golding April 10, 2026
Easter celebrates Christ’s resurrection, bringing salvation and hope, and calls us to live out our faith by spreading love, justice, and transformation in the world.
By Beverley March 28, 2026
Palm Sunday reminds us Jesus came in humility, not power. True greatness is serving others - follow Him, surrender pride, and walk in love.
By Denelle March 28, 2026
God brings life to hopeless situations. Trusting the Spirit leads to peace, renewal, and hope, even in life’s lowest moments.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham March 16, 2026
Laetare Sunday pauses Lent to rejoice in hope and light. It reminds us of Christ’s coming resurrection and calls the Church to nurture faith with compassion.
By Dr. Jean Lee March 9, 2026
God provides living water through Jesus Christ. Those who come to Jesus and believe in Him will have their spiritual thirst satisfied and receive eternal life.
By Archdeacon Patrick Cunningham March 2, 2026
God’s love, shown in Jesus, offers eternal life and calls us to love God and one another as we journey through the Lenten season.
By Sharon Ely Pearson Church Publishing February 23, 2026
Lent is a 40-day season of preparation, repentance, and renewal, rooted in early Church practice, calling Christians to self-reflection, baptismal readiness, and almsgiving.
By Deaconess Elaine Cunningham February 16, 2026
Looking to God, not the mountains, we find help. In silence and solitude, we feel God’s love and are shaped to live love over power.