Vocations Newsletter

“I will make you a light to the nations that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”Isaiah 49:6I love the theme of this year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (January 18-25): They showed us unusual kindness.Here’s the background: When St. Paul arrived in Malta with his disciples, carrying the light of salvation, the people welcomed him with “extraordinary hospitality.” (Acts 28:2) The weather had turned bad, but the hosts lit a fire and welcomed their guests with kindness.An act of kindness can be a game-changer in any relationship, a gesture of reconciliation that brings people closer together. As the Church begins a week of prayer for the unity of all Christians, let’s remind ourselves that “unusual kindness” can make a difference in reaching what may have felt like an unreachable goal.Where’s a good place to start? Our mission calling is to love and serve the Lord by witnessing his compassion, so begin there. Listen to others first before judging. That was a lesson I learned during my years among the indigenous people of South America’s Altiplano. The communities were divided between Catholic and evangelical Christian, each with different ideas of worship and religious expression. It took time,…
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“He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.”Acts Chapter10 Verse 38Here’s a suggestion for the early days of January: Let’s make 2020 a “Francis Year.” If I sound mysterious, I don’t mean to. Our Holy Father wants us to be inspired to greatness, constantly renewed in the Spirit. So let’s check in with him and see how we can make this New Year our personal best as missioners.“Ask yourselves this question,” says Pope Francis. “How often is Jesus inside and knocking at the door to be let out…?”That’s a very personal question. But one worth pondering. We can start our spiritual check-up with those who have always meant the most to us: our families. This is where relationships are born and cared for—and where misunderstandings can cause the most hurt. In one of his talks on family life, Our Holy Father said something I’ve never forgotten: “A healthy family life requires frequent use of three phrases: "May I?” “Thank you,” and “I'm sorry.” Never, never, never end the day without making peace.”Friend, in today’s Gospel Jesus acknowledged his call to serve when he received the gift of baptism. Pope Francis…
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“Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you.”Isaiah chapter 60 verse 1Everyone has a ritual for ringing in the New Year and mine is pretty simple. The first thing I do is pause and thank God for my blessings.The year has been rich in Gospel witness—a blessing with so many rewards. Thanks to you, our Fathers and Brothers have brought the compassion of Our Lord to more families in need. Many of them have joined us as members of the faithful, taking on important pastoral roles as teachers, deacons, and leaders of prayer. Our Church is growing!Faith is what motivates us to be who we are, the belief that when we witness the Gospel as missioners, more people come to know Christ and faith grows. Want to “rise up in splendor” and shine your light of faith? Here’s my suggestion: Share a blessing—a kind word, a visit, a helping hand. This is the essence of mission. So let’s live it!A New Year is an opportunity for renewal, for starting over. The experiences we share as people of faith always bring us closer to God. And that includes our Journey of Faith each Sunday….
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“Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another…”~ Colossians 3:12-13Time to get dressed up in your best finery. No, I’m not thinking of New Year’s Eve, although I love a good party just as much as anyone! I’m thinking of Paul’s advice— to put on the mantle of compassion, kindness, humility, forgiveness… you add the rest.Why do we make New Year’s resolutions? Because we want to be better people of faith than we were before. At their deepest level, I think of New Year’s resolutions as profound expressions of faith—a desire to bring God into our plan for personal improvement! And we know that God’s presence is the one ingredient that insures success.In the course of a new year, there will be detours and distractions aplenty. That’s why we have prayer and the Sacraments to keep us grounded. And we have each other. Those of us on this Journey of Faith are joined together in prayer all year long. The more we pray together, the deeper our relationship with Christ and one another.Friend, as you begin a New Year, remember the unique gifts that…
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