OPENING PRAYER:
(All)
God, our Father, thank you for calling us to be your people. We ask you to send more workers into the harvest – to share your truth and to lead all to salvation. Make us strong with Your Word and Your Sacraments. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Side 1: When Jesus saw the crowds, He had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; pray, therefore, to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
Side 2: You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit abide; so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
READING: Jeremiah’s Call
Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.”
But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, I am only a youth; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Be not afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord.”
Then the Lord put forth his hand and touched my mouth; and the Lord said to me, “Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.”
QUIET REFLECTION:
Be as concrete as you can in identifying your calling to religious life. Where were you when the Lord “spoke” to you? Who was with you? How old were you? Who were the persons who were influential in your hearing the call? Who helped you to respond to the call? Who walked with you through your formation years?
SHARING:
Rarely does the Lord speak directly; most often he speaks through another. If anyone would like to share a name or names of people who helped them in their vocational choice, the manner in which they were helped by people, feel free to do so.
RESPONSE: Psalm 21
O God, in the strength and grace that You daily grant,
We find reason for celebration.
You have totally fulfilled our innermost longings.
You have responded to our deepest needs.
We ask for security, and You encompassed us with love.
We looked to You for life, and You granted us life eternal.
We sought for identity and You adopted us as Your children,
whatever is of value and worth in our life has come by way of your blessing.
Our hearts are glad in the realization of Your eternal presence,
we know that we will never lose Your love.
We raise our voices in praise, O God,
because no one can separate us from You.
We thank you for the many people who have brought us closer to you,
and we ask you to help us to be there for others as they hear your call,
and need someone to walk with them as others have walked with us.