Vocation Awareness Week

When is the last time you invited someone to think about serving God as a priest, brother or sister? When is the last time you personally discerned your own call to know, love and serve God as a priest, religious brother or sister? In today's Gospel reading, (Mark 1:14-20), Jesus proclaims, "This is the time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel." Jesus calls Simon, Andrew, James and John to drop their fishing nets and follow Him. Remarkably, they did just that...and their lives were never the same.

We celebrate National Vocation Awareness Week this week. If you are single, listen to the voice of Jesus calling you to know, love and serve Him. If you are married with children or grandchildren, gently invite them to pray to Jesus to see if He is calling them to serve as a priest, religious brother or sister. God hasn't stopped calling his children to serve in these vocations. We all need to take an active part in helping one another hear that beautiful voice that calls us into a deeper relationship with God. Don't be afraid to ask people to discern religious life or the priesthood. Take courage! If God leads you to it...God will get you through it! I've walked this journey of religious life for nearly 24 years. Saying, "YES" to God's invitation has opened many doors in loving and serving my sweet Jesus and His children. Listen today. What is God saying to you? What are you saying to God?