Homily for the Mass for Vocations: January 23, 2007

Given by the Most Reverend Stephen E. Blaire at the Cathedral of the Annunciation in Stockton.

On television when you see crowds of people in the Middle East, you can get a sense of what Luke meant when he said “the crowd was pressing in on Jesus.” Jesus got into the boat of Simon and pushed away from the shore in order to speak to the people. I have visited that part of the Sea of Galilee regarded as the location for this event . There is a certain natural bowl that allows the voice of the one speaking from the boat to be carried to those listening.

The people were listening to the word of God spoken by Jesus. Generally throughout the Synoptic gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, this teaching of Jesus is presented as pertaining to the Kingdom of God. Luke is making clear that the Christian message preached by the Church about the Kingdom of God is rooted in the very words of Jesus Himself. This message, this word, when preached will bring in a great catch of fish.

It is Peter who was set forth as catching men and women by the word of God and transforming them into a new life. But Peter was not alone. The other apostles were with him as his partners, and helping to bring in the catch. Already in these first years of the Church Peter was regarded as the primate of the Church and was so accepted by the other apostles who carried authority given them by Jesus after the Resurrection. But the point I wish to make this evening is that Peter is always seen in relation to the Church. He is the rock upon which the Church is built. It was his responsibility to preserve the unity of the Church. He was given the keys of the kingdom in behalf of the Church. Peter represented the Church. For this reason the mission to bring the gospel to the world, to catch men and women for the kingdom of God belongs to the whole Church. In baptism we receive our vocation to testify to Christ in the world, to bring the kingdom of
God, the reign of God, into every aspect of human life.

Closely related to baptism is the Sacrament of Orders which gives the Church a collegiate leadership of bishops, priests and deacons who shepherd the flock and lead the people so that the Church may be a faithful instrument for bringing the Kingdom of God into the world. In this task they are assisted by many lay ecclesial ministers who collaborate with them. But the church is not only one of orders but is also charismatic, meaning Spirit filled individuals and communities within the body, called by God to give witness to all that the church is about in serving God in the Kingdom. Such are the Religious in our midst.

We pray tonight that all who are called by God to serve in the Church for the sake of the Kingdom will generously accept that responsibility. Who will be the instruments of God’s grace, who will preach the word of God, who will transform the face of the earth, if no one accepts the call of God? I have often said in my prayers: “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” But we all know that sin is only an obstacle when we do not confess our sins, turn back to God and amend our lives. Each day is a new day of conversion, and Jesus says: “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.” They left everything and followed Him. Can we not do the same?

Last Update January 22, 2007