On Wednesday, they locked the door, and on Thursday, they unlocked it. And the world is new again. The literal meaning of conclave is “with = con” and “key = clave”. In Latin, the word conclave refers to a lockable room. What happens in this secret assembly where the cardinals from around the globe gather to select a leader for their flock of 1.4 billion? The recent popularity of a film called “Conclave” indicates that we are curious about the process of discernment.
How do we ordinary humans discern what is the will of God for our world and whom God wishes to send for a particular purpose on earth? In the scripture, Moses hears God’s call in a burning bush. And Paul sees Jesus in a flash of blinding light on a road. But sometimes God seems so subtle and we are unsure if God is calling us or not. Sometimes we go into the secret room of our own hearts and try to listen for God. And other times we gather with other Christians to discuss it all and vote.
In each of our lives, God calls, nudges, provokes. In so many ways, we become priests to each other. We serve bread and wine. We mentor the 6th graders. We attend boring committee meetings and teach rowdy 6 year olds. We bake cookies and deliver flowers. We plow the neighbors’ snow. We visit a church member who can no longer make it to church. Sometimes the task is mundane but the motivation is compellingly holy. God needs someone to be God’s hands and feet.
We recently had our own little conclave here at the church. They met and considered the candidacy of Ashley Cheung. She had begun the journey of becoming a minister more than 20 years ago but had not completed it with the Methodists due to family commitments and cross country moves. But God kept nudging. And God’s call is hard to avoid. And so a committee of deacons and elders met in secret and voted to ordain Ashley as a minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
The white smoke has been metaphorically released from the towers at 61st and Ward Parkway. By listening to each other and to God’s mysterious Spirit, we have discerned that God has called Ashley to serve as The Reverend Ashley Cheung. A beautiful service will be held to mark it on June 22 at 4pm. And you are invited. We will simply be confirming what God ordained a very long time ago.
Grace and Peace,
Carla
