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I have to say that this weekend I said something different from what I actually prepared but these are the notes from which I drew  my inspiration. 




This weekend we have an opportunity to explore what is the meaning of being called by God. It is also a chance to look at what our response might be in the midst of this call. So I thought that I would reflect with you what this call has been like in my life and where I am today as a priest. I remember my Mum telling me at the age of about 7 I came down from upstairs after a night’s sleep and I told her that I wanted to become a priest. When I she asked me why I explained to her that it was because they only worked on Sunday. My Vocation to the Priesthood came because I was being invited to come and see and for me also to avail myself and say “here I am.” Both must work together but yet sadly many are put off either by no invitation because of negativity about the Church that they receive from others or because of the business of the world and their lives they never able to hear God speaking to them and so cannot say “Here I am.”

I wonder if we look back for a moment in our own lives we can think of those good men and women who inspired us and invited us by the way they lived or what they told us encouraged us to be introduced to the person of Jesus. And so we should do the same. Many people come into the Church on the RCIA because they have been inspired by others; they have seen Christian witness really at work in their lives and want a bit of it. Some have gone on to be priests, Religious or good parents living out the Christian message in their lives. Where did it start from a simple invitation to “Come and See” exactly like Andrew talking to his brother Peter.

Vocation route is “to be called.” But, as I have discovered in my own life through the doubts about my ministry to leaving it for a while to work in Retail that it takes courage and trust in the Lord to say “ Here I am” and “ Speak Lord your servant is listening.” It may take a long time for us to really realise our role in the world and God’s plan for us. As Newman says we may never really discover it in this life. But, we must be open to that invitation. We must allow ourselves to be open to the will of God and be able to say with trust and hope “ Speak Lord your servant is listening

Comments

Anne Chapman said…
This is good, but the homily you gave Sunday was the best you've ever given!There were audible gasps a couple of times!I think hearing about your life gives a homily more 'punch' and affects people in a good way. Keep it up!
18 January 2012 at 10:41
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