Called To Love: National Vocation Awareness Week
St. Paul boldly stated, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel.” Would you do the same? The message proclaimed in the bible for more than 2,000 years is reassuring:
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” – Romans 8:31
The purpose for our existence echoes throughout Sacred Scripture. Our Creator calls us by name and provides each of us with talents to use for a specific way of life. Pray for openness to God’s invitation for your life plan. "Love is the fundamental and innate vocation of every human being" (CCC 2392).
The word vocation is derived from the Latin verb vocare, which means to call or summon. It is a calling for all humankind to salvation. Before the 16th century the word vocation was used to describe a “call” from God. The term originated in Christianity, but the word now is often used in a non-religious context to describe our suited occupation. People have been called to build up the Kingdom of God since the beginning of time. Old Testament leaders like Abraham and Moses, and the followers of Jesus in the New Testament, all confronted challenges in a world that opposed Christian values, much like we face today.
During the first week of November we have a perfect opportunity to strengthen the Church by supporting National Vocation Awareness Week. This annual weeklong celebration of the Catholic Church in the United States first began in 1976 on the 28th Sunday of the year. In 2014, the NVAW was moved to the first full week of November to promote vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life.
The week begins with All Saints Day, Nov. 1, as we honor devout men and women of diverse vocations who give us great examples of perseverance in faith. On Nov. 2, we remember the souls of the faithful departed as we intercede on their behalf through the mercy of God. This gesture of love reminds us that we must all participate in the salvation of souls.
In the Roman Catholic Church, marriage, single life, religious life and ordained life are recognized as four distinct vocations. A priest labors for the salvation of our souls; without ordained hands, the Sacraments of the Church are unavailable. The grace we receive in the Eucharist and the absolution of our sins in Reconciliation should never be taken for granted.
Deacons are ordained as a sacramental sign to the Church, "to serve and not to be served." The consecrated men and women in a religious community participate actively in service to the world through vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. They may also live in a contemplative community set apart from the world where life in prayer proclaims the Gospel more effectively. Consecrated single life is a response from God to live a Christian life under the vow of consecrated celibacy.
The strength of God’s Kingdom is contingent on every vocation. For most people, married life, while accepting children, is the greatest call to love. Families, please take time to pray together as you encourage your children to know where God is calling them in life. Encourage them to realize that vocations to priesthood and religious life are joyful options. Do not be ashamed to let others know how important the Gospel message is in the life of your family, and do it with love! Amen!
