Theres an old quip that says if you were accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?
Vocation is about living out the implications of the faith we profess. Crudely put there are two kinds of vocation a) serving the world in Gods name by acts of compassion or justice, and b) resourcing the church to better serve the world in Gods name. We need both!
Traditionally vocations have been understood in terms of ordained ministry, and we desperately need more of such vocations, people who will energise and envision the community of faith in its witness and mission by word and sacrament. But vocation mustnt be limited to this. Vocation is simply the answer to the question, how do you offer life in the service of God and of others and Gods people (lay and ordained) can do this is a huge variety of ways, both within the church and within society.
Vocations Sunday offers us an opportunity to stop and reflect on our vocations individually and corporately. Are we living our faith as we would like to? What changes might we make? Who might we encourage to consider some form of ministry more seriously?
John Fitzmaurice, Diocesan Director or Ordinands & Vocation
