The Call of the King
On Tuesday millions of people around the world listened to the inaugural speech of Barack Obama. Obama has emerged in the perception of many as a charismatic leader on whom great expectations are being placed for the moral and economic upliftment of American society. As leader of the United States his policies will also have a significant impact on countries around the world.
In his somewhat sombre, yet inspiring inaugural speech, he exhorted people to take up the challenge to work for the creation of a more just and peaceful society. He urged values of tolerance, human dignity and care for the environment.
He emphasised that the transformation and rebuilding of America would not be an easy task given the serious economic downturn and the loss of confidence of many and that it would take sacrifice, commitment and hard work. Obama invited all the people of America to labour together for the transformation of their own society and to reach out to the impoverished nations of the world.
Movingly Obama used the words, ‘we’ and ‘us’ including himself in what he urged upon others. Looking back at times of courage in adversity in American history he articulated a vision of purpose and possibility to a nation battered by job losses, a failing health care system and an economic crisis as severe as that of the 1930’s.
Listening to the speech reminded me of a parable proposed by Ignatius in his Spiritual Exercises. It is of an earthly King or leader with a great vision who invites his people to labour with him in his mission. The leader does not promise that it will be easy and warns of the sacrifices which will need to be made. “All who wish to come with me must be content with the same food as I have, the same drink, the same clothing. Such persons must labour with me by day, and keep watch by night.” However he promises that all who are a part of this labour will also share in its fruits.
Ignatius knows that we instinctively desire to follow a truly inspiring and good human leader. How much more, he suggests, should we respond generously to the invitation of Christ, the Eternal King who invites each one of us to labour with him to bring about the reign of God in our world. His call goes out to each of us inviting us to offer ourselves and our gifts for his mission of redeeming all of humanity. He also does not suggest that it will be easy but promises that in the end we will share with him in the victory.
The invitation to each one of us is to respond generously and wholeheartedly to Christ. If he were to make a speech in our own city of Johannesburg today outlining his vision for South Africa and for our continent in 2009 what might he say? What would be his invitation to us as a nation and as individuals? If Christ were to approach me today to join him in his mission here (as indeed he approaches each of us every single day), needing me with my particular gifts and talents, how would I respond?
