GOD'S PLAN

Next October ... the Synod of Bishops will meet to discuss the theme of young people and in particular the relationship between young people, faith and vocation. There we will have a chance to consider more deeply how, at the center of our life, is the call to joy that God addresses to us and how this is "God's plan for men and women in every age" (Synod of Bishops, ... Young People, The Faith and Vocational Discernment, Introduction).

NOT VICTIMS OF CHANCE

The ... World Day of Prayer for Vocations ... proclaims this good news to us, and in a decisive manner. We are not victims of chance or swept up in a series of unconnected events; on the contrary, our life and our presence in this world are the fruit of a divine vocation!

GOD IS WITH US

... The mystery of the Incarnation reminds us that God continually comes to encounter us. He is God-with-us, who walks along the often dusty paths of our lives. He knows our anxious longing for love and He calls us to joy.

LISTEN, DISCERN, LIVE

In the diversity and the uniqueness of each and every vocation, personal and ecclesial, there is a need to listen, discern and live this word that calls to us from on high and, while enabling us to develop our talents, makes us instruments of salvation in the world and guides us to full happiness.

THE TIME IS NOW

Vocation is today! The Christian mission is now! Each one of us is called whether to the lay life in marriage, to the priestly life in the ordained ministry, or to a life of special consecration in order to become a witness of the Lord, here and now.

"HAVE NO FEAR!"

If He [Jesus] lets us realize that He is calling us to consecrate ourselves totally to His kingdom, then we should have no fear! It is beautiful and a great grace to be completely and forever consecrated to God and the service of our brothers and sisters.

DON'T WAIT TO BE PERFECT!

We should not wait to be perfect in order to respond with our generous "yes", nor be fearful of our limitations and sins, but instead open our hearts to the voice of the Lord. To listen to that voice, to discern our personal mission in the Church and the world, and at last to live it in the today that God gives us.

MAY MARY ACCOMPANY US

May Mary Most Holy, who as a young women living in obscurity heard, accepted and experienced the Word of God made flesh, protect us and accompany us always on our journey.

(Source: Message for 2018 World Day of Vocations, dated 12/3/2017)