Our Holy Father Metrophanes, Patriarch of Constantinople (312-37)
Apostle’s Fast
Read
Romans 7:1-13; Matthew 9:36-10:8
Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
One problem that many dioceses and eparchies are facing is the shortage of priests. Many older priests are retiring but it doesn’t seem like there are enough young priests to take their place. To offset this shortage, we either see priests immigrating from other countries to ours or, unfortunately, we see the amalgamation or closure of parishes. What are we to do in order to turn the tide towards growth?
Well, when is the last time you encouraged a young man to consider seminary? Have you encouraged a young woman to join an order of sisters? Or, most importantly, when is the last time you prayed to God that more young men or women would consider the priestly or religious life?
There is a Roman Catholic Parish I occasionally visit that has a parish prayer for vocations. Apart from encouraging parishioners to pray this prayer at home, they also pray it together at the end of every Mass. This parish has been blessed with many vocations to the priestly and religious life in the last number of years and likely many more will join them.
Our Lord asks us in today’s Gospel that we pray for Him to send labourers for the harvest. May that be our prayer not just today but every day.