by CCSJ Chair, Leela Ramdeen
Today our Church observes the 49th World Day of Prayer for Vocations. On October 18, 2011, in preparation for Vocation Sunday, Pope Benedict XVI meditated on the theme: Vocations, the Gift of the Love of God.
The Holy Father reminds us that “It is in this soil of self-offering and openness to the love of God, and as the fruit of that love, that all vocations are born and grow. By drawing from this wellspring through prayer…it becomes possible to live a life of love for our neighbours, in whom we come to perceive the face of Christ the Lord”.
Archbishop Harris has asked the faithful to spend time in prayer for an increase of vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. Let us ask Our Lady to intercede for us to the Lord of the harvest that He will send more labourers to the harvest. We thank God for those who labour faithfully in His vineyard.
Also, let us not forget to pray for our own vocations. The primary vocation of each child of God is to be holy. Jesus said to His disciples: “...be perfect just as your Heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt 5:48). The call to live holy, virtuous lives is challenging. Our baptism calls us to BE the body of Christ in the world. Yes, we are called to a high standard. But if we are true followers of Jesus, we must continue to strive to attain this standard. Life is a gift from God. If each of us makes our life a prayer, we will eventually “die” to ourselves and “live” in Christ.
It is essential that we build a vocation culture in our Archdiocese; a culture in which through our constant prayers and our love for the Eucharist, we will discern our “calling” in life e.g. to a dedicated single life, marriage, priesthood, permanent diaconate or consecrated life. Whatever our vocation, remember that we are all disciples of Christ, called to build His Kingdom here on earth.
CCSJ is planning a roundtable discussion on Cardinal Turkson’s 32-page document: “Vocation of the Business Leader: A Reflection” (released March 30). The Cardinal, President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, sees the document as “a helpful guide to business leaders seeking to grow in the virtue of charity as befits their vocation.” He urges the business community to live their faith in the marketplace. Our faith must be an integral part of our daily lives.
The Church, he says, “does not relinquish the hope that Christian business leaders will, despite the present darkness, restore trust, inspire hope, and keep burning the light of faith that fuels their daily pursuit of the good.” The Catholic News Agency says that the document grew out of a February 2011 seminar on Pope Benedict XVI’s social encyclical Charity in Truth.
Let us pray that those whom God is calling to priesthood, the permanent diaconate and consecrated life will respond in love to His call.
