To see with the eyes of faith

A Vocation Message from Bishop Kevin Manning, Bishop of Parramatta (Australia)



I regularly receive requests from overseas priests to come and work in the Diocese of Parramatta, and I have already accepted some excellent volunteers.

But their willingness to come from other countries to minister to the Catholic people in Australia leads me to ask, once again, why aren't more Australian men accepting Christ's invitation to be priests?

Many reasons for their reluctance have been given, and many more probably could be given. However, I am inclined to believe that somewhere in the mix is a lack of faith and courage on the part of our young men and their families. This needs remedying.

First of all, let us look at what is being offered. It is an invitation to be "another Christ", to carry on the work entrusted to the Son of God by the Father, a guarantee by God, which has everlasting benefits.

As Christ said: "I solemnly tell you: those who have left everything and followed me will be repaid a hundredfold, and will gain eternal life."

Signing on means:

* Saying to God, "I trust you," which realises a guaranteed relationship with one who never breaks His Word;
* Adhering, in faith, to the requirements of the Catholic priesthood;
* Working with Christ for the people of God;
* Challenging the recalcitrant;
* Preaching the Good News; and
* Loving God and neighbour.

Even the most benevolent of human employers will offer nothing like that which is being offered by Christ. At the minimum, the job advertisement is "Come and See." It is advertised in the Gospel of St John (Jn 1:39)

This is the passage where the Baptist identifies Jesus to two young men, Andrew and, probably, John the Evangelist. When these two approached Jesus, He asked: "What do you want?"

And they, like any prospective seminarian when faced with a direct question of this nature, were embarrassed and confused, lamely inquiring: "Rabbi where are you staying?"

We now know Christ's answer: "Come and see." Theirs was not the curt command, "Follow me", given to St Matthew, which many reluctant men still await. It rarely comes!

Full marks to Andrew and John for, at least, they were curious enough to ask the question, having been captivated by the preaching of the Baptist.

They obviously were attracted by something they detected in Christ, as are men today. One can only imagine their surprise and joy when they actually went and saw.

The encounter with Christ set off a chain reaction: Andrew invited his brother Peter and led him along to Jesus (Jn 1:41).

Another candidate, Philip, responded to Christ's "Follow me" and sought his friend Nathaniel, relating: "We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, the one about whom the prophets wrote, he is Jesus, Son of Joseph, from Nazareth." (Jn 1:45)

But Nathaniel, too, hesitated. Philip suggested that he might "Come and see." (Jn 1:46) Nathaniel went and saw and declared: "Rabbi, you are the Son of God, you are the King of Israel." (Jn 1:49)

Christ's call does not coerce any man, but gives him the insight, freedom, strength and grace to make his own decision. Christ's invitation motivates the prospective priest to make up his mind with the assurance that God will grant him the best life possible.

I raise the question: whose responsibility is it to promote vocations? Obviously, every Catholic, but especially priests. Priests must never underestimate the influence they have on prospective vocations.

Pope Benedict XVI tells the story of a priest who came to his vocation through the example of a priest bereft of all exterior gifts: a hopeless preacher, a dreadful singer and below-par communicator. But under his care the parish flourished.

Four or five priestly vocations came from this parish, something that had not happened elsewhere under more competent pastors, proving, of course, that God can work wonders with inadequate people.

During National Vocations Awareness Week, from 6-13 August, I want you to join with me in praying for priestly vocations. I want you to pray that many of our young men will hear, recognise, and respond to the invitation for them to "Come and see", and to hear the voice of Jesus calling them to share His priesthood.

And to those thinking about vocations, don't kid yourselves that a vocation will be presented to you on a plate. There will always be turmoil in your heart as you discern whether you should "Come and see", and many will regret the day they didn't.

On the other hand, there will be many who pray about their vocation, present themselves in faith, surrendering their will to Christ. These selfless, courageous young people will provide hope in the midst of hardship and darkness. They will also convince others that the Holy Spirit never abandons His Church.

I remind you that the promotion of vocations is an obligation on every Catholic. In his Apostolic Exhortation, Pastores Dabo Vobis, Pope John Paul II said: "There is an urgent need, especially nowadays, for a more widespread and deeply felt conviction that all members of the Church, without exception, have the grace and responsibility to look after vocations." (No. 41)

This is to be exercised in our schools, in youth activities, in our churches and, particularly, in our families. Don't hesitate to encourage young men to consider the priesthood, for in this you are doing Christ's work. Often times, it needs only a simple word to germinate a priestly vocation.

I want you especially to remember that the Eucharist is the source of vocations within the Church, a source of grace which is inexhaustible. It is only in the power and acceptance of the death and resurrection of Jesus that young men will be moved to deny themselves, take up the Cross, and follow in His footsteps.

I encourage priests of the Diocese to continue Exposition of the Blessed Eucharist in your parishes where people can pray for priestly vocations after the injunction of Christ: "Pray the Lord of the harvest that He send labourers into His harvest."

We must assure the Lord that we have heard His voice and agree with His solution to the need for priests.

Very good.

For me God's call is more like a nudge, always there gently tugging on my heart strings.
I have been truly blest by him.

Continue to pray for vocations