Reflecting on today’s readings about God calling Jeremiah and the parable of the sower moved me to pray for all people discerning a vocation to the priesthood or some form of consecrated life within our Church. This reading from Jeremiah was read in the Mass of my consecration, as I am sure it was read in many others. I would say that each person, regardless of vocation, experiences these calls from God at some point in life. Knowing how my own experiences have gone, a prayer for those going through similar experiences would be appreciated.
Called to Mission
The young Jeremiah hears the Lord say to him, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born, I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you,” and Jeremiah comes up with some excuses real fast!
“I can’t speak! I’m too young! “
He surely would have gone on if the Lord hadn’t cut him off: “Say not, ‘I am too young.’ To whomever I send you, you shall go; whatever I command you, you shall speak. Have no fear before them, because I am with you to deliver you,”
These are tough words to accept, but also encouraging words. In case you haven’t noticed, it is sometimes difficult to say yes to what God asks. The last thing God says to Jeremiah is a promise that, although it may be hard, it won’t be completely lonely or impossible because He will be with him and deliver him.
Praying for the Call
In my prayer for vocations to the priesthood and all forms of consecrated life, I am asking for courage and a bold trust in the Lord who is calling. It takes courage to say yes to what God asks in order to overcome fears and distractions. It takes a bold trust to say yes to a God invisible to the eye who speaks in the silence of one’s heart. While praying for these souls to be courageous and bold, I also pray for all of those who have already said yes and are living out this yes daily. Please join me in this prayer.
[Readings for Wednesday, Week 16: Jeremiah 1:1, 4-10; Matthew 13:1-9]
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