At one point in time, many people believed that only priests and those in religious orders were called to become saints. Only they were to pursue the life of holiness. However, everyone is called to be holy, everyone is called to be a saint! Only saints are in heaven. If you want to be in heaven, then you have to become a saint.
Wait! The Church has to declare someone a saint right? Listen to my homily and get the answer!
Readings: Rv 7:2-4, 9-14; Ps 24; 1 Jn 3:1-3; Mt 5:1-12a
Key Themes: Universal Call to Holiness, Vocations, Beatitudes
We are all called to be saints, we are all called to live a life of holiness, so that we are with God forever in Heaven. Within that vocation we each have our particular vocation or calling of how to live lives of holiness. Some are called to become priests, nuns, sisters, brothers, monks, consecrated virgins, etc. but most are called to marriage. Since marriage is the most common calling, we can sometimes be dismissive of the other possibilities and fail to discern if God calls us to pursue holiness in these special ways. Anyone who takes their faith seriously should consider the possibility of being called to holiness in ways besides marriage. If you do not yet know your vocation, please consider the possibilities.
Prayers for Vocations
2019-2020 Vocations Prayer
God our Father, Bless Your Church with an abundance of Priests, Deacons, Brothers and Sisters. Give those You have called to Marriage and those called to a singular, holy commitment to You, the special graces their lives need. Form each and all of us into the image of Your Son, so that in Him, with Him, and through Him we may love You more deeply and serve You more faithfully. And Father, help me to know and live my vocation with Mary, our Mother. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
2020-2021 Vocations Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of life and the gift of faith; born of Your infinite love. We ask you to bless our diocese with selfless hearts, willing to worship and serve You in Your Church.
Lord Jesus, we ask You to raise up saints from our homes, as called by the Father; providing courageous and humble men to the holy Priesthood, faithful servants to Consecrated Life, and holy men and women to the Sacrament of Matrimony.
Holy Spirit, help us live out our universal call to holiness, by listening to the Father’s voice and gratefully responding with a surrendering and sacrificial love.
Holy Mary, Model of Vocations, teach us to hear and follow your Son Jesus.
Holy Mary, Queen of Priests, sanctify our priests and obtain for us many more.
Holy Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, show us the Way to the Heart of your Son.
Holy Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for our families and children to be holy.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.