Like Jesus Did It

While I was studying in Rome, we would go out to eat when Cardinal Keeler came to town. He had a friend from his seminary days who would join us as well. Msgr. Conte was a kind man who always asked us how our studies were going and what we were learning. He also was VERY patient with our growing Italian. One day, we were sharing lunch, and our vocations director was with us. He thought the idea of a vocations director was interesting. He told him (and we translated for him) that it was nice to encourage guys who expressed interest in a vocation to the priesthood, but he thought Jesus had the better idea.

Jesus simply walked along, among the people, and from time to time, as he knew, he would point to someone and say, "You! Follow me." That seemed to be effective for Christ.

Now, we need to screen our future priests for worthiness and aptitude, but a vocation is first God's call. When we pray "for vocations" what we really are praying for - or should be praying for - is a response to that call.

Here on this youth conference there are many enthusiastic young people excited about their faith. Let us pray that their excitement may inspire them to answer God's call in their lives, and may our prayers and support encourage them.