The Fourth Sunday of Easter, known as Good Shepherd Sunday, is also a special day of prayer around the world for vocations. The World Day of Prayer for Vocations is first of all a day about the power of many people praying together to realize God’s desires for the world. It is also a day for vocations, bringing to the church’s attention the joys of a life dedicated to prayer and service as priests, deacons, religious sisters, and brothers. The best-kept secret about a religious vocation is that in devotion to God and others, people find deep personal satisfaction. What Saint Teresa of Avila said in the 16th century is still true: “God gave me such great happiness at being in religious life that it never left me up to this day.” Such a choice and commitment is something to consider and encourage.
Tuesday, May 1 is the Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker. With a significant percent of the American population out of work or underemployed, Saint Joseph is swiftly becoming the patron saint of all who seek to enter or return to the workforce. Pray to Joseph the Worker for those who seek, that they may find.
Wednesday, May 2 is the Feast of Saint Athanasius. May we recognize the truth of his advice that “one cannot possibly understand the teaching of the saints unless one has a pure mind and is trying to imitate their life.”
Thursday, May 3 is the Feast of the Apostles Philip and James. The church does not always know much about the early Apostles – sometimes it’s not even clear who is who – but it does remember their faith. Live in such a way that others will know and remember you for the same reason.
Our Responsorial Psalm this week, "The stone rejected by the builders had become the cornerstone," reminds us that Christ is the cornerstone of the Church and the foundation of our lives.
