In the Sacrament of Baptism we are claimed by God and forever marked as Christ's own. We are adopted into the body of Christ and given our true identity. Our call and vocation is to love and serve the Lord in all we say and in all we do. Our response — the response to the grace that God has shown us in Baptism — is to live a life worthy of our calling.When we live into our baptismal identity, we live out our vocation. That is to say, whatever we do, whether it is as a professional, laborer, merchant, serviceperson, civil servant, we do to the glory of God.
For some, discernment of call involves a church vocation, like priest or Christian educator. For others, discernment involves a vocation to the consecrated life.
Today we begin National Vocation Awareness Week
"The entire People of God is responsible for promoting vocations, and does so chiefly by persistent and humble prayer for vocations." Pope John Paul II
Prayer to Follow the Call of Christ
Lord, I thank You for the gifts You have given me,
especially for life, love, family and friends.
Help me to know myself better and to know my talents,
as I pray, study and decide on my life's work.
Help me to see and understand the path You open for me.
Help me choose a life's work which will be in response
to my potential and your love for me.
If I am being invited to follow You as a priest, brother, sister,
give me a generous heart to respond to your challenging call
and the strength to follow You wherever You lead me.
Amen.
