Today our readings are about calling. In our modern western society, there is a danger that we can become discouraged when we do not see more vocations to the priesthood and religious life. However, I tend to see it in a different light: I firmly believe God is calling, but are we prepared to listen? We heard about the young Samuel who mistakes the voice of God for Eli, his mentor. God is trying to get through to the young man, but there is so much on the way. Eli tells him to really listen to what God is asking of him—he urges him to respond with 'Speak Lord, I'm listening!' That could well be our prayer during this week: the Lord is calling each of us to do great things. However, do we really want to listen? Is it easier to say, 'look I'm busy listening to the radio, TV, my social media, and what my influencers are saying. I don't have time to listen to God as well!' Perhaps a detox is called for: could you give up fifteen minutes of 'Facebook' and use that for prayer? It could be seen as a real challenge, but it is doable. In my own Diocese of Salford, our synod process is starting with the 'big listen', enabling all parishioners to listen to each other. We need to be a Church that really listens to the Word of God, and to listen to members of our communities. We all know the views of the brash, conceited narcissists out there—with social media, they can have a very loud voice. We can all think of politicians who rejoice in the sound of their own voice, but do we take time to sit down with the quiet ones of our families and communities who just quietly get on with living the Gospel, often in a unique and loving way. They are loved because they choose to listen. In my local synod, Bishop John Arnold advocates:

As we live in a fast-changing world, we must be prepared to question our priorities and our aspirations. There are global issues that are so distressing: the war in Ukraine, conflicts in other parts of the world, the plight of refugees and migrants, religious persecution, poverty, and the increasing impact of climate change. While we must look to Rome to prioritise global actions as the Catholic Church, we must recognise that we have a particular responsibility for our local Church here in the North-West of England and its own particular needs and opportunities. (17/10/2023)

In the gospel reading, we find Jesus calling his new and inquisitive disciples with a very simple invitation. When these followers of John the Baptist want to wonder if God is calling them to now be with Jesus, they ask a very basic question, 'where do you live?' Notice how Jesus does not tell them like some ancient Sat Nav and give directions, rather he invites them 'to come and see!' They went and they saw by spending the day with him. Jesus invites future disciples to share his life fully. I am sure they must have talked, listened, laughed, told stories, and ate. It is wonderful to think that Andrew and his fishermen friends were able to share that day fully. It helps us to understand that vocations ministry is really quite simple: above all, we are called to listen and share our visions and dreams. It is through effective listening that we can discern what God is calling us to. By the sacrament of baptism, every Christian is called to share in the priesthood of Christ. It is not an option, or a gift reserved for the males among us. We are called to be prophets by preaching and living God's Word. We also share the kingship of Christ by truly serving and helping others.

We are all called to promote vocations—is there somebody you know who could make a good Brother, Sister, or Priest? You could be the one who helps that person to really listen to God's call. You could help that person to fully discern their vocation. You could be the one who encourages them on the journey. As Pope Francis reminds all those living an authentic vocation to religious life and priesthood, our joy in living that vocation must be seen:

God's call includes a 'sending'. There is no vocation without mission… every baptized Christian is called to bear joyful witness to our experience of Jesus through spiritual and corporal works of mercy. In service to God and our fellow human beings, we come to understand the heart of the Christian vocation: to imitate Jesus Christ, Who came to serve, not to be served. (30/04/2023)

Priests and Religious today must radiate a joy and optimism that encourages others to want to share in that life. A miserable and angry priesthood will lead to an angry and miserable Church. We are so blessed, let us look to the future with confidence as we invite others to 'come and see!'

If anyone would like to explore the gift of their vocation, then please contact: vocations@salesians.org.uk

Author: Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy SDB

Image: ©SalesianLink/DEARDEN