Written by Rev. Richard A. Anderson, Chaplain - 

When Jesus began his ministry he was alone. He was alone when John the Baptist baptized him in the Jordan River. Jesus was alone when the spirit led him into the desert when he was tempted by Satan. However, Jesus was not alone because his Heavenly Father was with him, but he had no friends or disciples with him as he began his earthly ministry.

It was in God’s plan that his Son, Jesus, would call disciples not only for companionship, but help spread the good news of God’s coming kingdom. Thus, Jesus called twelve men to learn from him what it would mean to be his followers. The twelve disciples learned by Jesus’ words and example – by his death and resurrection – what following Jesus would mean and how their lives would be transformed by his love for them. They received Jesus’ call and followed him.

What does Jesus’ call have to do with our ministry at Samaritas? I was reminded of our ministry for, and to, the aging population in our community by a supervising nurse from an agency that trains and educates nurse aids – CeNA’s. She said, and I paraphrase, “we attempt to train, educate and sensitize our students to see what they do is a calling. They are called to view their residents as people of worth, to appreciate their wisdom, to identify with their pain and loss, and to love them.” She concluded, “to be a CeNa or a long term care nurse is a calling.”

As your Chaplain and Friend at Samaritas I say thank you for responding to the call.