“He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19)

The major theme for this 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time focuses on our common and personal vocation of Christian discipleship that God is calling each one of us to walk from darkness of sin to the bright light of salvation. The word “vocation” comes from the Latin word “vocātiō,” which means "a call or summons." In religious sense, it is the "call" or “invitation” by God to an individual, for his salvation. In secular sense, it is an “occupation” to which a person is specially drawn to or for which he or she is suited, trained, or qualified to do, perform, or exercise in his profession or career.

The idea of vocation is central to the Christian belief that God has created each person with special gifts and talents oriented toward specific purposes and a way of life. As stated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, "Love is the fundamental and innate vocation of every human being" (CCC #2392).

In the Orthodox and Catholic Churches, the idea of vocation is especially associated with “a divine call to service” to the Church and humanity through a particular and committed vocational life, such as: (1) marriage to a particular person, (2) consecration as a religious, ordination to priestly ministry in the Church, and even (3) a holy life as a single person. Christian vocation includes the use of one's gifts in their profession, family life, church, and civic commitments for the sake of the greater common good.

God does not want us holding a relationship of Transaction but Transformation. Therefore, Dynamic Christian disciples are those who (1) BELIEVE, (2) GROW, (3) SERVE, (4) LOVE and (5) LEAD others to Jesus.

Today’s topic invites us to appreciate and exercise our vocation especially in the Ordinary Time, to imitate and follow our savior Jesus Christ, to repent our sins, to exercise our Christian stewardship, to use our time, treasure, and talents to love God above all and to love our neighbors as ourselves, participating in the works of mercy, to accomplish God’s will in our lives to glorify God. 

How can we assist one another to exercise our Christian vocation to glorify God? 

Wishing you a very happy and blessed week in the Lord.