All have received a calling from God while they are in this world. Perhaps some may wonder about the meaning of their lives, others perhaps see this life as having no meaning.  However, for Christians, life has a meaning! God called into being everyone who exists and gave them a purpose in life.  Everyone has something to share, something to contribute while they are in this world.  
    The readings today speak of the many times God calls people to fulfill their God-given talents.  For some, it is necessary for God to call several times to understand fully what God wants for their life.  For Samuel it was three times.  For some God calls earlier in their lives, in their childhood.  They know from the beginning what they want to be when they grow up.  They look forward to accomplishing their mission in life.  For some others, God calls a second time, perhaps in their adult life.  Amidst the struggles of daily life, they start to see where they can focus their energy, and they start to get the hang of it…how to live life well! 
    For others, God calls a third time, in their older years. Perhaps some would think too late, but many people at this later stage of their lives have contributed greatly for the betterment of this world.  It took them a while, past midnight [figure of speech here connected to the first reading] but eventually they accepted the call. When some people are getting to retirement, they are just getting started.  They do a lot of good; they contribute much. Perhaps some may have wanted to do their contribution sooner, but still their life is not over until it’s over.  These people received their call later in life but can be satisfied they still fulfilled their mission even if later in life. 
    God calls, once and once again in life.  God wants to activate all to do good for others before leaving this world.  God wants everyone to fulfil their God-given potential. Let’s not waste life in trivial pursuits, chasing whirlwinds.  Let’s apply the time here on earth to listen to the call of God and as the jingle says, “Life’s what we make it so let’s make it rock!” Perhaps amend this jingle to say, “Life is so precious, so let’s heed the call.”  During the start of this year, let it not be another year with failed goals and propositions, but be conscious the time given in this world is limited and use it well.  Remember God calls you into being for a purpose, don’t let another year pass by, don’t let life pass you by, fulfill the plan God has for your life. So, people of God, Activate!