Vocations
Office
An invitation from Bishop Edward U. Kmiec
Come and See.....
There is a wonderful story in
Chapter 10 of the Gospel according to St. Mark. This story is probably
familiar to you. It involves an incident between Jesus and the Rich Young
Man. Jesus looked straight at him with love and said, "Go, and sell
all you have, give to the poor, then come and follow me." He went
away sad because he was very rich. Scripture remains silent about the
future of this young man. I wonder if there had been someone in his life
to encourage him - would he have returned to Jesus and said
"yes"?
While the basic call to discipleship is addressed to all Christians, the Lord continues to call some in a particular way, like the rich man, to a life commitment of service. The life of a priest is not easy, especially today. It requires a major sacrifice, yet I am convinced that to spend one's life as a priest helping others to come to know and to love Jesus Christ, to bring His sacraments to our people, and to provide leadership for our communities is the most wonderful life there is.
When I look back upon my own vocation to the priesthood, I am very much aware that other people helped me to hear the call of the Lord. God continues to use other individuals to support and encourage a response to the invitation to serve as Jesus served, to love as Jesus loved.
As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men." They left their nets and followed him. (Mark 1:16-18)
I invite you to "Come and see," as Jesus called his disciples to follow him, as He called the Rich Young Man of the Gospel and countless others throughout the ages. Christ often calls us from a voice within. I invite you to continue your pursuit to discern your calling. Through means of this Home-page may that invitation to "Come and see" lead you to a deeper conviction. God has used many means to draw people's attention: the Angel Gabriel, a burning bush, the silence of our hearts, and now the electronic means of technology through the Internet. God continues to call forth people like you to follow in his way.
If you are drawn to respond to the invitation "Come and see," or if you are just not sure like the Rich Man of the Gospel, please continue to discern your calling so that your life may be as fulfilling and rewarding as possible. The following section will help you to clarify many areas that are involved in the process. Take time to reflect upon these issues and to discern your calling. "Come and see." God's grace is at work in each of us. These electronic means have brought us together: to invite, to encourage and to support. I hope you will take the next step and meet personally with our Vocation Director to assist you on your journey......