LAYING DOWN OUR LIFE
Today
the Church celebrates Good Shepherd Sunday. The readings refer to the
Good Shepherd, a popular and well-loved image. It is also celebrated as
Vocation Sunday where we are encouraged to pray for vocations to
priesthood and religious life. The sheep listen to the voice of the
shepherd and follow him. Let us pray this day for followers of the Good
Shepherd who imitate Him by giving their lives for the sake of the
Gospel.
The
Father loves Jesus since He lays down His life for His sheep. The
Father loves us all, but He is especially drawn to the man and woman who
seek a life of loving service. Jesus tells us that He lays His life
down freely. His will is completely surrendered to the will of the
Father. He knows the Father gives Him power to lay it down and take it
up. This is the power of the Resurrection.
By
virtue of our baptism, we are called to lay down our life for service
in the Kingdom of God. Many are called but few are chosen to the
religious life and the call to priesthood. We live in a world that is
very egocentric — all about me. The one who follows the Lord as priest
or religious is swimming against the tide of the world. So many things
claim the attention of the youth today to distract them and turn them
away from serving God. So, when we witness and hear a call to the
religious life, we are amazed at what the Lord, the Good Shepherd, can
achieve in weak human beings whose hearts are open to Him. His is the
power at work in them,
offering their lives to the glory of His name. Countless men and women
have served the Lord in this way. Still the Lord calls His people.
Let
us pray for vocations. Let us especially call to mind those whom we
know or whom we should approach to discover the call of God in their
lives. Perhaps they are waiting to be asked. Sometimes, all it takes is
an invitation to consider a call to religious life. It happened to me.
It could happen to you. Be open. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL
REFLECTION QUESTION: Are you willing to lay down your life for the Lord in religious, married or single life?
Thank You, Lord, for Your mercy and love. Thank You for calling me to serve You. Amen.
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