World Day of Prayer for Vocations
“Beloved, see what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are.”
1 Jn. 3:1
Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
Jn. 10:11
This weekend’s readings remind us of the root and the fruit of vocation. The root of all vocations is knowing that we are loved by God. John reminds us, “Beloved, see what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are.” (1 Jn. 3:1). When we know that God loves us, we can take the risk of making a commitment. Living the vocation of marriage requires the risk of commitment. But today, we focus on the call to the diaconate, priesthood, and consecrated life. These vocations are also rooted in knowing that God loves us. These particular vocations lead those called to risk a commitment to the church.
The fruit of all vocations is “laying down our lives” (Jn. 10:11). Love is sacrificial. Living as a deacon, priest, or consecrated religious requires sacrifice. This is a sacrifice for the church. These three vocations serve the church’s communion and require sacrifice for the church. There is no church without deacons, priests, and people committed to the consecrated life. The life of the church depends on them in a specific way. Today, I invite you to pray for the root and fruit of these three vocations with the following prayer from the US Bishops.
God our Father,
We thank you for calling men and women to serve in your Son’s Kingdom as priests, deacons, and consecrated persons.
Send your Holy Spirit to help others to respond generously and courageously to your call.
May our community of faith support vocations of sacrificial love in our youth and young adults.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen
Peace,
Lincoln A. Wood
Parish Pastoral Leader
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