Vocations, a commitment to community & society

Vocations Awareness Week (November 3 –9) in the Archdiocese has passed, not unexpectedly, with limited promotion or active participation. This is unfortunate since vocations is more than just about “de priest and dem.”

The Church teaches that every vocation has the potential to transform lives and communities. By embracing their unique calls, individuals can become agents of change, promoting values of compassion, justice, and solidarity.

This is particularly crucial in a world facing numerous challenges, including poverty, inequality, and social fragmentation. The collective response to these issues, rooted in the understanding of vocation, can lead to a more just and equitable society.

The Church’s understanding of vocations extends beyond the individual call to serve God; it encompasses a profound commitment to the community and society at large.

This understanding is beautifully articulated in the teachings of recent papal documents, particularly Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love), and Fratelli Tutti, as well as in this Sunday’s Gospel, which highlights the essence of selfless giving.

Vocations, in the broadest sense, are seen as God’s invitation to each person to fulfil a unique role in the tapestry of life. This call can manifest in various forms, including marriage, single life, religious life, and ordained ministry.

Each vocation contributes to the common good, fostering a sense of community and solidarity among individuals.

Pope Francis emphasises that every vocation is a response to God’s dream for humanity, a dream that envisions a harmonious society where love and fraternity prevail.

In Amoris Laetitia, Pope Francis underscores the importance of love and service within the context of family life. He notes that families are not only domestic churches but also “vital agents of pastoral activity”. They proclaim the Gospel through their actions and relationships, thereby enriching the Church and society.

The family unit serves as a foundational element for nurturing values such as solidarity, care for the vulnerable, and commitment to the common good. This is particularly relevant in today’s world, where individualism often undermines communal bonds.

The Gospel (Mk 12:38–44) presents a poignant illustration of this principle through the story of ‘the widow’s mite’. Jesus observes how the wealthy contribute from their abundance, while the poor widow gives all she has, demonstrating a profound act of love and trust in God.

This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that true generosity is not measured by the amount given but by the spirit of selflessness and sacrifice behind the act.

The widow’s contribution of two coins, though seemingly small, is valued by Jesus as a testament to her faith and commitment to God’s will. This story encourages individuals to reflect on their own vocations and how they can contribute to the welfare of others, regardless of their circumstances.

Pope Francis, in Fratelli Tutti, further elaborates on the interconnectedness of humanity and the call to build a more just and fraternal society. He asserts that love must be the driving force behind all actions, urging individuals to recognise the dignity of every person and to act in solidarity with those who are marginalised.

The call to love transcends personal interests and compels individuals to engage actively in the betterment of society. This vision aligns with the Church’s understanding of vocation as a means of fostering community and promoting social justice.

Moreover, the concept of vocation is intrinsically linked to the idea of service. In Amoris Laetitia, Pope Francis highlights that love is not merely a feeling but an active commitment to do good for others.

This understanding of love as action resonates deeply within the context of vocations, as each individual is called to serve their community in various capacities.

Whether through professional work, volunteerism, or family life, the expression of one’s vocation contributes to the flourishing of our society.

So, when we talk about vocations, the focus should not be solely about priesthood or religious life, but about “all ah we”.