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The fourth Sunday of Easter is celebrated as Vocation Sunday and each year we read a passage from St John's Gospel about the Good Shepherd. The basic idea in "vocation" is "calling": God calls us and invites us to a decision about our life. St Ignatius stresses that we are called to make a good decision, and by "good" decision he means one that will bring us peace and joy. Scripture reminds us in various ways that God desires our happiness, the fullness of life and joy. Therefore, if we are considering a state in life [marriage, priesthood, lay celibacy, religious life] we must consider which state will bring us the greatest happiness and peace. We must choose a way in which, as today's Psalm proclaims, we can "serve the Lord with gladness" and so can come into his presence each day "singing for joy".
We must remember that we are not talking about merely human peace and joy; we are talking, rather, about the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our hearts [Galatians 5:22.]
Father in Heaven guide us all, those who are searching for a state of life and those who have already entered irrevocably into a state of life: enlighten us so that we may serve You in joy and in peace.
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DAILY OFFERING
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Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.
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PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
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INTENTION
That allowing himself to be enlightened and guided by the Holy Spirit, every Christian may answer enthusiastically and faithfully to the universal call to sanctity.
Elaboration
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