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Marching Orders

January 3, 2026

Psalm 72| 1 Kings 19:9-18 | Ephesians 4:17-32 | John 6:15-27

“It is I; do not be afraid” … Do not work for the food that perishes,

but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.”

– John 6

I cannot walk on water.  It is also impossible for me to think that I might be able to do as Jesus would.  However, I do believe I can try to do what Jesus “expects me to do”.

For more than 40 years, my spiritual guides, The Friar, The Padre and The Curmudgeon, taught me that one of the greatest of sins is to try to play God!!!  And, with a bit of a chuckle they reminded me that the meaning of my name is “Who is as God?”  This is not a statement; it is a question.  It’s about the story of Michael driving Satan out of heaven for the sin of wanting to be “like God”.

Clearly then, metaphorically speaking, one way for me to have a problem at St. Peter’s gate is to try to walk on water.  Only God the Son, Jesus Christ, gets to do that.  So, what does Jesus expect of me?

Well, another thing my three wise guides taught me is the Protestant notion of the “priesthood of all believers”.  This has nothing to do with celebrating the Eucharist or wearing symbols of ordination such as stoles or different collars.  But, for me, it speaks to my duty to be minister to my fellow humans and to all of God’s Creation.  In other words, I am a soldier and only God is my Commander. 

So, what are my marching orders?  How might I discern what Jesus expects me to do?  When would I know that His call to arms is specifically mine to answer and to endeavor humbly to serve God, my fellow human beings and God’s Creation?  Jesus says that I must seek this enduring food.  I need to recognize it and accept it.  It may be difficult or dangerous at times, but in my efforts to serve my sisters and brothers He will nourish me. 

I know I can do this because as I endeavor to do the work He expects of me, He has promised I need not be afraid.  I have learned many, many times that He will be there to calm any stormy seas in which I may find myself. 

And, after every Eucharist, when we pray this prayer together:  “Send us now into the world in peace and grant us strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart,” my commitment to follow His marching orders is renewed.  Amen.

Mike Cerullo