CELEBRATING THE WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS 2022
Have you ever noticed that at times of the most profound trouble in the world, gifts of creativity, generosity and courage emerge as light in the darkness? During these, our troubled times, the Catholic Church has called for a synodal process, that is walking together to build up the whole. The call is urgent. Gifts abound! But before we can learn to walk together each of us must recognize the unique gifts we are given and that we bring.
Before immigrating to Canada I often participated in retreats at an ancient Carmelite Friary in England. One of the most vivid memories of those days is of the beautiful mosaics created by artist, Adam Kossowski. I recall sitting in awe gazing at the small pieces of the mosaic that together formed a complete design.
Understanding vocation is like gazing at such a beautiful mosaic. Each small part contributes to the fullness of the whole. This Sunday, May 8, we celebrate the annual Day of Prayer for Vocations. Note the “s” at the end of that word! Vocations! For too long, in the Catholic Church, we have limited our concept of “vocation” to priesthood and consecrated life. Rather each person, is called to a vocation; through which we are invited to bring life to the world alongside others who embrace meaning and give service in their lives from various faith perspectives and/or values. As Pope Francis points out in his 2022 Message for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, each person, “receives with the gift of life, a fundamental calling: each of us is a creature willed and loved by God; each of us has a unique and special place in the mind of God. At every moment in our lives, we are called to foster this divine spark … and thus to contribute to the growth of a humanity inspired by love and mutual acceptance. We are called to be guardians of one another, to strengthen the bonds of harmony and sharing, and to heal the wounds of creation.”
“We are called to be guardians of one another, to strengthen the bonds of harmony and sharing, and to heal the wounds of creation.””
In the Christian perspective, each manifestation of vocation is rooted in Baptism. How often we say, “I was baptized”. But in Baptism there is no past tense! Rather, I’m called to remember always, that “I am baptized”, that is, actively loved, graced and called in every moment of life; called to mission, to love, to justice, to service. As Pope Francis remarks in his Message for May 8th, living vocation is “about making God’s dream come true, the great vision of community, that Jesus cherished when he prayed, ‘that all may be one’ (Jn. 17:21). Each vocation in the Church, and in a broader sense in society, contributes to the common objective: to celebrate among men and women that harmony of manifold gifts that can only be brought about by the Holy Spirit.” Whatever our vocation, laity, priesthood or consecrated life, “let us journey together in bearing witness to the truth that one great family united in love is no utopian vision, but the very purpose for which God created us.” We walk together!
This Sunday, we pray to know, to claim and to live out our particular call to give our lives fully to the realization of that dream of God.
-Sister Mary Rowell, csj