"PUT OUT INTO THE DEEP"

The coming World Day of Prayer for Vocations [April 17, 2005] ... has the theme: "Called to put out into the deep." This is a special occasion for reflecting on the vocation to follow Christ and, in particular, to follow Him in the priesthood and the consecrated life.

"PARTICULARLY RELEVANT"

"Duc in altum! - Put out into the deep!" (Lk 5:4) ... The command of Christ is particularly relevant in our time, when there is a widespread mentality which in the face of difficulties, favors personal non-commitment.

"A DEEP SPIRIT OF PRAYER"

The first condition for "putting out into the deep" is to cultivate a deep spirit of prayer, nourished by a daily listening to the Word of God.

"INTIMATE FRIENDS"

In prayer, conversation with Christ develops, and it makes us His intimate friends.

"APPARENT FAILURE"

The link with Christ through prayer also makes us aware that He is also present in moments of apparent failure, when tireless effort seems useless...It is especially in these moments that one needs to open one's heart to the abundance of grace and to allow the word of the Redeemer to act with all its power: "Duc in altum!"

"THE ABUNDANT FRUIT OF GRACE"

Whoever opens his heart to Christ will not only understand the mystery of his own existence, but also that of his own vocation: he will bear the abundant fruit of grace.

"GROWTH IN HOLINESS"

The first fruit will be his growth in holiness ... He will commit himself to persevering in unity with his brothers within the communion of the Church, and he will place himself at the service of the new evangelization, to proclaim and bear witness to the wonderful truth of the saving love of God.

CHRIST NEEDS YOUNG PEOPLE

Young people need Christ, but they also know that Christ chose to be in need of them.

FIX YOUR EYES ON JESUS

Dear young men and women! Trust Christ; listen attentively to His teaching, fix your eyes on His face, persevere in listening to His Word. Allow Him to focus your search and your aspirations, all your ideals and the desires of your heart.

THE WITNESS OF ADULT CHRISTIANS

When adult Christians show themselves capable of revealing the face of Christ through their own word and example, young people are more ready to welcome His demanding message, stamped as it is with the mystery of the Cross.

(Source: Message for World Day of Prayer for Vocations, issued 8/11/2004)