Growing up in Corpus Christi, Texas I spent more time fishing in the surf of Padre Island than in going to church. Our Latino family roots were in Roman Catholicism but our church was the Gulf of Mexico shoreline. How, then, did I grow up to become an Episcopal priest?

 

Thinking back I will say that my life today is the result of someone taking the time to invite me to Christ’s table. First invitation was to the local Canterbury group (college ministry). Next came an invitation to attend worship at Church of the Good Shepherd followed by an invitation to serve at the Diocesan camp, Camp Capers.

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One after another, the invitations kept coming. Each one led me to a community which always made room for me. I found belonging in a spiritual family. They made plenty good room for me and for my family and friends. Over and over again, the graciousness of Christ was extended to me. I found fellow travelers on the spiritual journey. More importantly, I found the gifts of God within me.

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I suppose that I am an Episcopal priest because of all the people along the spiritual way who invited me into communities in which there was plenty good room. Plenty good room to discover myself. Plenty good room to discover God. Plenty good room to discover and discern how God was calling me to serve and lead.

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I cannot imagine any other life than the one I have now - serving as an Episcopal parish priest! I am ever grateful for all the wonderful, lifelong friendships I have made. I cannot imagine any other job that would be so wonderful, so exciting and energizing as the ministry I have today.

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I am so grateful for all the invitations and all those who made plenty good room for me!

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The Rev. Ramiro (Ram) Lopez serves as rector of St. George’s Church in San Antonio and serves on the board of TENS.

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Questions for Reflection:

•  Take a moment to thank God for all those who made plenty good room for you in the Church. How has that shaped who you are today?