Fr Frank writes:
My Dear Friends,
Last Sunday we celebrated the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. The theme of Vocation is followed in this week’s readings too. We shouldn’t be too surprised at this as vocations arise from the Easter experience, and we are still in the season of Easter.
Our first reading introduces us to the Order of Deacon. The new Deacons were ordained by the Apostles through the laying on of hands for a ministry of service. The very word ‘Deacon’ points to servanthood; it is a ministry of charity.
In our second reading St Peter reminds us, however, that vocation/ministry is not confined to those in Holy Orders. We are all members of a holy priesthood. We are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a people set apart to sing the praises of God.
Our Gospel reading begins with an assurance of God’s mercy: “There are many rooms in my Father’s house.” It is reassuring to contemplate that there might even be room for me. But how do we get there? How do we (as it were) book a room there? In this reading, St John gives us another of Jesus’ “I AM” sayings.: “I AM THE WAY..” We get there by following the example of Jesus – by modelling our lives on him – this is the vocation of each one of us.
May our good and merciful God bless you now and always.
Frank ofs
Sunday Smile:
A certain Trappist Order (which kept strict silence) only allowed one brother to speak each year, on the anniversary of the founding of the Abbey. The anniversary came round and the Abbot duly invited comments as the community ate their breakfast in the refectory. One brother complained: “the porridge is too lumpy.” The following year, another brother said: “I quite like the porridge.” Later, the Abbot, answering a knock at his door, invited in a brother who asked if he could leave the Order. “Why?” asked the Abbot “Because,” he replied, “I can’t stand all this arguing about the porridge.”