In this address for the 2001 World Day of Prayer, Pope John Paul II describes “vocation” as both calling and relationship. The term “vocation” is often used in the Catholic, Lutheran and other mainline Protestant churches to describe a life of religious service, such as being a priest, nun, or lay-minister in a congregation. Here, the Holy Father reminds us that “at the root of every vocational journey there is the Emmanuel, the God-with-us.”
As you read through this brief address, notice that he moves from general observations applicable to everyone to more specific ones about calling to a religious order. Pay close attention to statements No. 2 and 3 (whose scope is to all Christians). The mention of Gaudium et spes (“Joy and Hope”) is a reference to the principal document of the Second Vatican Council, the most important meeting of the Catholic Church in the 20th Century, and at which major changes were enacted to position the church to become more engaged with modern (and post-modern) humanity.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
- In what ways can we discover the presence of God in our lives?
- Do you agree with the quote at the end of statement No. 3 about the “secret of Christian existence”? If so, what kind of “gifting” has been important in your life. If not, what might be another way to describe the essence of Christian life?
.
Join the Conversation
We welcome comments on this or other related topics on the main Spotlight page.
- Return to Rick Lytle Spotlight page