"Get Up and Go", Ginny Vellani, Class of 2006, Youth Sunday, Easter V--Year B--May 14, 2006

“Then an angel of the Lord said to Phillip, ‘Get up and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.’” Get up and go. In the story we heard this morning, one thing that struck me was the number of times Phillip had to be told to move. “Get up and go to the south.” “Go over to the chariot.” It reminds me a lot of how, sometimes, God has to push us to get us to go where we’re needed. And with all the pushing that’s happening to Phillip, it makes him look a little reluctant to move. He’s being asked to go out and minister and he knows he has God on his side…so why the hesitation? We are so much like Phillip. We are, all of us, called each day to spread the Gospel, to minister to others in the name of Christ. But so few of us are really doing it. So why the hesitation? The angel is saying “Get up and go” but all of us aren’t.

I’m guilty of this, too. Minister to other people? That’s such a scary idea. What must it have meant for Phillip to be asked to approach that court official in a coach? Not just putting yourself out there, but putting yourself out there before someone of such high rank. What is it in our own lives that keeps us from ministering? Sure, it’s scary to go up to other people, but what about the other ways you can minister? But it’s scary to give time and money to the church, too. What if I need this money later on? I could put it towards a car with better gas mileage…I could spend that time with my family. Making the decision to give of yourself to the church isn’t easy, and we hesitate. But, somewhere in the back of our minds, there’s that voice… “Get up and go”.

In my own life, a series of transitions are taking place. As I try to discern the path my life will take, the topic of ministry continues to come up, not just my ministry as a lay person or Christian but the possibility of becoming an ordained minister. It’s an amazing feeling to sense a call like that, but along with that sense of purpose come feelings of fear and unworthiness. When I tell people I’m considering ministry, many times it’s met with less-than-favorable judgment. I’m judged as too young, idealistic or an imperfect Christian, marking me unacceptable for the job. It’s this fear of judgment that’s caused me to keep this plan from people, almost like a dirty little secret, and this fear has cut me off from opportunities to minister in my current life. Like Phillip, I let my hesitation impede works of God.

We’re scared, we’re hesitating, and we’re waiting at the coach door. What will we find inside? Is whoever’s in there going to be angry that we’re knocking on the side? What’s going to happen next? I’m not comfortable being here!

But the door to the coach opens, and we’re asked inside. It was just as easy as reaching out, and now there’s a hand reaching toward us who wants our help. God is not asking us to minister to others and be Christians on our own. We’re armed with a sort of triple threat.

First of all, God is with us through the whole thing. He’s with us in our fear of judgment from others, who maybe won’t accept what we have to say. He’s with us in our selfishness with time and money. And he forgives us, so that each time we stop there’s a voice there, a little push telling us to “Get up and go.”

Then there’s Jesus, who gives THE perfect example for us to follow. Jesus--who taught us that the only person who can judge us is God. His example teaches that maybe the homeless need your money, and the sick need your time more than you do. When we hesitate and lose track of where we’re going on that strange road we’re called down, he shows us how to get back on it.

And finally, our Christian Community is there, to show us that we’re not alone in our imperfections. People in this church, to show us how other humans can make a difference. Steve Slott and the Free Dental clinic, that amazing ministry which gives healthcare to those who are told they don’t deserve it. Jocelyn Safrit, who loves more and gives more of herself to others than you think is possible. My parents, Larry Vellani and Peggy Boswell, who taught me that dignity, respect, and justice is something that all people deserve and must have, no matter their social status, race, gender, or history. Our Christian community gives the examples of people who have listened to the call of “Get up and go.”

I’m not sure where my path in life will take me, and whether ordained ministry is really how I can best serve. I only know that with the love of God, the steady example of Jesus, and the unwavering support and courage I receive from my family here in this parish, I will end up where I’m supposed to be.

After baptizing the eunuch, Phillip is snatched up by the Spirit of the Lord and taken away to minister somewhere else. But the eunuch is changed forever. Ministry to others is life changing for all parties, and can transform hearts and minds.

I thank you all for the ministry and love you have shown me over the years, and it is through you that I can best hear that voice whisper “Get up and go”. Let us all answer the call.

Amen.