It has indeed been too long since I've updated this blog! My apologies! Our work to encourage and support young adults who are discerning their call to diocesan priesthood and to religious life takes much of our time! Check out the "Nuts and Bolts of Vocation Discernment" every Friday evening at 9:15 p.m. on http://www.talkshoe.com and other vocation efforts.
Today I have come back to a very true and touching story of someone who reminds me of the Gift of LIFE which I sometimes take for granted. I cannot help but think about the way we often take the Gift of VOCATION for granted too. As you read what is posted on the link below, you may be tempted to look at this professor's last lecture. May God's grace work in your heart and in your life as you do so.
We anticipate the feast of the Baptism of the Lord on Sunday and reflect upon Christ's mission and fidelity to God's Will in his life as he takes this first step of manifesting the purpose for his coming among us.
Perhaps this would be a good time to use a water ritual in our prayer, i.e., a washing of the hands, a favorite vessel holding refreshing, cool water, a photo of our favorite "water place" where we had prayed and known God's loving presence.
May Jesus the Lord and the Son in Whom God is so very well pleased, help us to take the "first steps" we need to live the vocation to which we are called. This is our prayer for you, dear reader!
Mary thought of Elizabeth's need. Mary left her comfort zone to be with her. Jesus would grow to be a man who gave a similar example by washing the feet of his followers.
This type of service is essential for one who is living
the Call to diocesan priesthood or to religious life.
Perhaps it isn't too trite to suggest that we spend time these days reflecting on Mary's role in our salvation. Her world turned upsidedown, she stepped into an unknown future to do what she believed God was asking of her. The above painting clearly images that this was not an easy time for her and that she, like each of us, needed to surrender to God's mysterious Will.
Let us remember to pray for those God is presently asking to step in the unknown future of their respective vocation: engaged and married couples, generous single men and women, those called to the diocesan priesthood and those who are discerning a call to religious life.
After our First Week of Advent, perhaps you are easing into the invitation to "repent and believe" the Good News. We proclaim at every Mass "Christ has died, Christ is Risen, Christ will come again!" This is indeed good news for us.
Today's blog simply asks you to encourage those you know who God is approaching in various ways to invite them to a life as a diocesan priest or religious sister or brother. In a secular environment like ours, it is so easy to disregard the God Who comes to us each and every day, seeking our love. Our prayers this day can help our seminarians and women and men in religious life formation. Our prayers can help those who will follow them in saying "Yes" to the Lord's invitation.
Many Blogstream members are there
already! Quotes from members: "It's like blog lite!" -- "I like the instant
gratification!" -- "Stop spectating, get in the game!"
If you have not joined in, you are really missing out!
We anticipate the feast of the Baptism of the Lord on Sunday and reflect upon Christ's mission and fidelity to God's Will in his life as he takes this first step of manifesting the purpose for his coming among us. 
