May the light and joy of Easter fill your hearts!
This weekend is the World Day of Prayer for Vocations! There is a popular hymn by Dan Schutte called “Here I Am Lord”. This hymn gives a good summary of what the attitude and response of each Christian and Prophet referred to in Sacred Scripture has been! “Here I am Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night. I will go Lord, if you lead me. I will hold your people in my heart.”
Each person is singularly and uniquely created by God and endowed with special gifts. God calls everyone to use their gifts for the benefit of others and for building up his Kingdom, the community of faith. Everyone has the gift of a vocation in which they find the fulfillment of the meaning and purpose of their lives. Some are called to be priests, to preach the Word of God, to administer the Sacraments, especially Penance and the Eucharist, and to help the sick and the suffering and the poor and to give their lives in sacrificial service after Christ. Others are called to serve as Deacons, to proclaim God’s Word and serve others.
Many men and women are inspired by the Holy Spirit to serve the needs of humanity in a radical way by choosing to live the Gospel under vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Their prayers are powerful as they intercede for all humanity and their lives give witness of the love and mercy of God as they serve the needs of others in charity.
Married couples are a living sign of God’s love for the human family in their mutual love for each other and their children as they lead lives of faith and teach their children to listen to God and follow the way of life that Jesus taught. Today is also Mother’s Day and this vocation of motherhood is extremely important because mothers are the first to teach the children the ways of the faith. Fathers also do their part but today we honor all mothers in their vocation!
All vocations are important and form part of God’s plan for the good of the whole Church. Today, the Church needs more men and women serving as priests and religious. Please pray for an increase in Priestly and religious vocations and a generous response to God’s call!
May God bless you always! +++ Fr. Peter