A REFLECTION FOR VOCATIONS’ SUNDAY
FROM THE ARCHDIOCESAN VOCATIONS DIRECTOR
In our Gospel last Sunday, we were invited to reflect on the powerful encounter between the Lord and St Peter by the lake shore. Through this encounter Peter is reminded of his call to be “a fisher of men”. At this time Simon says, “leave me Lord I am a sinful man” and by the light of a charcoal fire in the courtyard of the high priest’s house he denies ever knowing Jesus. Here, by another charcoal fire, he is offered an experience of the merciful love of the Father so that, his past denial and abandonment of Jesus, no longer would have power over him. Peter is to be forgiven, strengthened and encouraged so that through love of God perfected in him, and knowing himself restored, he might in turn encourage and strengthen his brothers.
After the unexpected death of Pope Francis, many commentators reflected on his pontificate and the significance of his preaching and teaching. Above all the Year of Mercy stood out as an example of his deep appreciation of the merciful love of God for us, as he commented that the Church was a field hospital for sinners rather than a hotel for saints. Many believe this deep faith in the merciful love the Father came from a powerful and personal experience of God’s forgiveness in his own life. His funeral gave the Catholics around the world an opportunity to intercede for the remission of his sins pray as well as to give thanks to God for the positive ways he guided and inspired the Church. For the ways he was a Good Shepherd.
In the days since his funeral the Church waits in prayer for the start of the conclave and election of a new Shepherd to guide her. This process may well have been completed by the time we celebrate this 4th Sunday of Eastertide which is also known as Good Shepherd Sunday. A special time of prayer for vocations and particularly to vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
The image of the Good Shepherd was a powerful representation of Christ for the early Church. Similar to a shepherd who cares for and guides his flock, Jesus proclaims in the Gospel of John that He is the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep. Motivated by love and moved with compassion He provides divine protection and leadership for His Church and His people as He leads us to eternal life.
In early Christian art, especially in the Catacombs in Rome, the Good Shepherd was one of the most common symbolic representations of Christ. This imagery helped Christians living under persecution to identify with Jesus and express their faith without obviously showing it.
As Peter, after he was appointed the principle shepherd, had his brother apostles to help and support him so our new Pope will need the assistance of Bishops and priests to support him and serve our network of Catholic communities around the world. Perhaps more than ever we need good shepherds to be coworkers with the successors of the apostles to help guide, protect and provide for the sheep following the example Christ gave.
As Pilgrims of Hope today we recognise the important role of priests and religious within our communities. We need them and so today we are asked to pray for them in a special and specific way. To pray for those who have answered God’s call, those discerning it and those who are yet to hear that gentle prompting of the Holy Spirit in the depths of their hearts.
After the four priestly ordinations last summer, we have six seminarians in formation for the diocesan priesthood and a number of men in the discernment group or in one-to-one discussions with the Vocation Director. They come from across the Archdiocese, are of various ages and backgrounds reflecting the Lord’s call of ordinary men who by God’s grace are able to respond and offer themselves to live a life of service to the Church and God’s people. Please pray for them and support the collection for the Priest’s Training Fund that takes place this weekend. And if you feel that the Lord might be calling you to serve His Church, have the courage despite your own sense of unworthiness to start a conversation by calling our Vocation Director on 0151 727 2493 or email
