Gospel Reflection – Vocation Sunday

Vocation of all Christians

The Fourth Sunday of Easter each year is known as Vocations Sunday.  The Gospel is about Jesus, the Good Shepherd who called his flock to follow him.  We are encouraged to pray for vocations this Sunday.   For years we prayed for vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life.  Nowadays we recognise the vocation of every Christian to be the light of Christ.

Jesus announced that his mission would be the kingdom or reign of God in the world.  His taskforce would be the assembly of followers, later called the Church.   In a vastly changed world, the Church of tomorrow will not be the same as the Church of the past.

Jesus once described the kingdom of God as a hidden treasure.  The treasure too long hidden is the grace of baptism received by every Christian.  It is a vocation, a call to bring the light of Christ to others.  According to Pope Francis, Spirit filled evangelisers are what the Church needs today.  “How I long to find the words to stir up enthusiasm for a new chapter of evangelisation full of fervour, joy, generosity, courage, boundless love and attraction!”

Pope Francis has asked the Church to engage in a worldwide synod, a method going back to the days of the apostles.   A synod literally means walking together.  It means discussing what needs to be changed, but above all, listening to the Holy Spirit.  It was the Spirit who transformed the confused apostles into zealous evangelisers.

For many people today the Church is irrelevant so they have walked away in another direction.  But there is an emptiness in the jigsaw of the heart that only God can fill.  A renewed Church will be closer to the ideals of the Gospel.  People will recognise Jesus as the keystone of life.

The most important player in the synod must be the Holy Spirit who has been poured into our hearts through the sacrament of Baptism.  Let us trust in the Holy Spirit who transformed the confused apostles into zealous missionaries.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, you are the Good Shepherd, leading us, feeding and protecting us. At the restful waters of prayer, you revive our drooping spirits.  You guide us along the right path.  At the banquet of the Eucharist, you restore our energy.  When we walk through the valley of darkness you are there beside us.  Our vocation is to hear you and follow you, Good Shepherd.  Then surely, goodness and kindness will surround us all the days of our life.

Come, Holy Spirit, renew the heart of the Church, renew the face of the earth.