Only a boy

"Then I said, 'Ah, Lord God! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy.' But the Lord said to me, 'Do not say, I am only a boy; for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and you shall speak whatever I command you.'" (Jer. 1:6-7)

This passage leaped into my mind when I learned yesterday that our bishop has asked me to preach at this week's clergy conference. If there's any more intimidating setting, I don't know what it is. At the recent Chrism mass, I recall thinking as I watched a colleague ascend the steps to the pulpit, "Glad it's not me! Tough crowd!"
Ha. So it is that many of us take our turn, at least one of us each year when we come together at the retreat center. So, if you're reading this, please offer up a prayer that the word of God, the mystery of God, and the love of God may be revealed through my speaking.