 If Mother's Day is for mums and Father's Day is for dads, who is Vocation Sunday for?
The answer is, all of us! Because every single person has a vocation, a calling, a dream held for us by God as to who God would have us be and what God would have us do with our lives. When we speak of "praying for vocations" it is somwhat inaccurate. Vocations are freely given by God. What we are really praying for is God's help to find and follow our own particular call.
At this time in our part of the world, the call to a life of service and ministry in the Church is not very popular, for a variety of reasons. It's not so much that God is not calling, so much as people might not be tuned in too well to listening! Another element is that whilst God does the calling, it is up to us to do the informing and inviting; that is telling people about religious life and priesthood - the fulfillment and joy it can bring - and actively inviting/encouraging them to think about it as a possible choice.
Imagine if, in every parish and faith community this Vocation Sunday, people were encouraged to spend a few minutes discerning who in their midst might be a possible candidate for religious life/priesthood? Then, if they gently and sensitively shared the fruit of their reflection with that person, saying what they saw in the person and then left it for him/her to think and pray about it? What would happen? Only God knows!
As well as full time ministry, every community has a need for willing people to serve as readers, ministers of the Eucharist, Mass servers, welcomers, catechists, members of various commitees to answer particular needs in the community. God's Kingdom needs people willing to say yes and give their hands, feet and hearts. God is saying, "Whom shall I send?" What are you saying in reply?
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"I have made you a light for the nations, so that my salvation may reach the ends of the earth"
How am I called to be God's light for others...?
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"Come follow me and I will make you fish for people"
Where does God see me being his hands and feet?
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"It is your face, Lord, that I seek"
When Jesus looks at me through his loving eyes, what does he see?
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"Take up your cross and follow me"
What am I living for?
What would I be prepared to give my life for?
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"Your word is a light for my steps, Lord"
Where is my life taking me?
Am I drifting alone or deciding with God?
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"I will never forget you... I have carved you on the palm of my hands"
What fear is holding me back?
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"Learn from me for I am gentle and humble in heart"
Where will my heart find true happiness and peace? |
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