Call of the Lord

“Listen to the call of the Lord,” the elderly priest of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Glen Eden, Waitakere City appealed to worshippers, especially the youth, attending the Maundy Thursday mass.  He was expounding on the meaning of the act of Jesus in washing the feet of the Apostles. “If I, therefore, the master and teacher have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet”. (John 13:14)  Jesus was showing His disciples the path of genuine service, one of humility and of willingness to sacrifice.

The sad timbre of the priest’s voice reflected the melancholic atmosphere of the Church on the dwindling number of young people responding to the call to the religious vocation. Europe and the United States are experiencing shortage of priests. While there may be increases in less developed countries in Asia, Africa and South America there is not enough still to shepherd God’s flock today.   Jesus’ words have remained true. ”The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” (Matthew 9:37)

In the island of Bohol in the Philippines, there was a tradition among families to have at least one son pursue the priestly vocation. But times have changed there, as in many other places in the Christian world. In Third World countries, young people opt to take courses that would allow them to work abroad; while in First World societies, the lure for material wealth, instant fame and social gratification take priority over God and family.  Have we fallen deaf to Christ’s call? “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)  

While the voice of the Lord is personal to a chosen individual; there are many among us who have to take up our crosses as well if only to lead the one meant for the religious vocation. “Without counsel plans go wrong, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22) ‘Counsel’ may be expressed in words or shown through actions. Parents leading prayerful lives will reveal God’s living presence among the children. Priests through their conduct and homilies inspire the youth the way Christ encourage His disciples. Teachers and other professionals espousing good values in work and in play nourish the minds of the young to follow by example.  You and me, we can be the advisers that God puts during the opportune time to reflect His shadow on those He chooses to be priests or nuns.

Let us learn from the Isaiah. “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?"  And I said, "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8)

by Mel Libre