On this fourth Sunday dedicated to prayer for vocations in the Church, the liturgical texts give us the opportunity to meditate on God’s universal call, the mission of the Church, and Christ’s pastoral solicitude. These texts weave together a profound unity between openness to the Gentile nations, the joyful response of the people of God, and the promise of eternal life under the guidance of the Good Shepherd.
In the first reading, Paul and Barnabas, faced with the rejection of a portion of the Jews of Antioch, declare to them: “We are now turning to the Gentiles.” Indeed, salvation is not reserved for a single people. This openness prefigures the Church, the mystical body of Christ, called to gather an immense crowd that no one can number (Rev 7:9). With the Psalmist, we recognize that we are the people of God, we are his flock. It is he who made us, and we are his (Ps 99:3). Jesus, being the shepherd of the flock, recommends that we listen to his voice because it is not enough for him to gather us together, but also to keep us in the hands of the Father. For this he gives his life. Therefore, Christians must rediscover their vocation as a filial and missionary belonging. It is their responsibility to support, encourage, and nurture vocations in the Church so that the flock of God may grow in unity and hope of eternal life.
Let us pray that the Lord may raise up laborers for his harvest, docile hearts, men and women who will respond generously to his call. May those who are already engaged in any vocation in the Church be faithful witnesses of the Risen Christ.
Sr Regina Emeline ABITAN
Community of Nylon – Cameroon
Vicariate of Saint François Coll
