Central Casting

Ever watch the really old movies and the serial shows like MASH and realize how many characters got their start in those shows—and have grown into other characters?  Some get stuck in playing the same kind of character—others struggle to make the change—like Quincy, ME into The Odd Couple.  Still others stay in the same kind of role, scripted for like Burt Lancaster. 

Now that’s Hollywood—but is it true of us?  Are we scripted for life by others so that they cannot envision us in any other role?  Or do we script ourselves and limit who we can be?  Imagine Central Casting coming out and saying—here’s your new role and outfit—start memorizing those lines! 

Yet it is precisely that transformation that takes place when Holy Spirit touches human spirits.  Fishermen become disciples then apostles….    Lazarus talks not of a near death experience—but death itself!  A prostitute named Magdalene could easily be St. Mary ahead of the saints canonized to date.  Got the idea?  The change comes from Holy Spirit to enliven our spirits in a whole new way. 

The question is this—has Central Casting already showed up and we turned down the role?  There is this clue—when the calling comes, we taste life as never before.  The pages turn quickly and we find ourselves in a whole new production that none of us could have imagined that God has prepared for us (Romans).