By Zoe Cannon
Gratitude for the Gift of Faith
“But seek first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).
God’s sovereign rule is not a physical location, though the earthly appearance of his kingdom was presented with the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. The spiritual rule of Jesus lives in the hearts of believers; therefore, we need to know the truth in his teachings. We are uniquely created for the purpose of building up the kingdom. Our desire to please God requires conversation with him about our vocation, and a willingness to make sacrifices as we walk by faith.
The vocations of priesthood, religious life, consecrated single life, the diaconate and married life are specific ways to participate in God’s plan for creation. When we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, we acknowledge the spiritual quest of wise men seeking a king. The star used to guide them is a symbol of our own search for the light of Christ. Be intentional about living out your vocation because your witness may bring the presence of God into the lives of those around you.
On Feb. 2, the Feast of the Presentation, we close out the Christmas season and celebrate “World Day for Consecrated Life.” These individuals, often members of a religious order such as monks, brothers, sisters or priests, dedicate themselves to God with an intimate consecration rooted in Baptism.
Feb. 8 is World Marriage Day, or National Marriage Week is Feb. 7-14. This recognition of the importance of marriage began in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1981. In 1983, 43 governors officially proclaimed the day, and it continues to grow across the world. Pope John Paul II gave his blessing in 1993, by sponsoring the “Worldwide Marriage Encounter” promoting the sacrament of matrimony as the foundation of the family, with marriage between a man and a woman. He wrote a Pastoral Letter in 2009: “Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan,” in which he wrote, “The future of humanity depends on marriage and family.”
Holy marriages do create a healthy society and praying together as a family is a gift to the world! In this new year, make time to pray together for all vocations. Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be yours!
There are specific observances for each vocation, some listed at the end of this column. Mark a calendar and pray for everyone to seek God first. Heavenly Father, you call holy men and women to serve in your Kingdom as priests, deacons, consecrated life and marriage. May your Holy Spirit respond generously to the prayers of those seeking your will. May our community of faith support vocations of sacrificial love in our youth and young adults. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Feb. 2, World Day of Consecrated Life
Feb. 8, World Marriage Day
Holy Thursday. April 2, is the institution of the Priesthood and the Eucharist
April 26, World Day of Prayer for Vocations
June 12, World Day of Prayer for Sanctification of Priests
Aug. 4, Feast of St. John Vianney, patron of priests
Sept. 27, “Priesthood Sunday”
Nov. 4, Feast of St. Charles Borromeo, patron of seminarians
Nov. 1-7, National Vocation Awareness Week