The Fourth Sunday of Easter is traditionally referred to as “Good Shepherd Sunday.” We are called to love the sound of his voice, and to allow him to guide and protect us as we respond to his invitation to continue his mission in the world.
Today is World Day of Prayer for Vocations, a day to recognize that we all have a call. No one denies the shortage of priests and religious, and we do indeed need to pray that more young people consider consecrated life. But perhaps we should also pray that our notions be broadened about what church is and how the living body of Christ may be ministered to and by whom. We cannot pray that “it all go back to the way it used to be” or even that it remains as it is, any more than we can pray that we will be forever young. Lay men and women have been trained in theology, scripture, and church administration, yet to some the door of practicing those gifts fully seems to be closing. When we pray that God “call” people to service, we must get out of the way of that call and keep the door open to whatever form it takes. “The promise is made to you and ... to all those ... whomever the Lord or God will call” (Acts 2: 39).
Saturday, May 21 is Armed Forces Day! This day grants us the opportunity to say thank you and to recognize the outstanding contribution the Armed Forces make to our country. Thank you!
