Memorial of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Virgin and Doctor of the Church
(Nehemiah 2:1-8; Luke 9:57-62)
A parochial vicar was relatively new to parish ministry. When
told by a Jewish laywoman that she wanted to become a Catholic, he invited her
to register for RICA with the parish office.
The priest then relayed the news to the seasoned deacon who directed the
parish’s Christian Initiation ministry.
The deacon responded unenthusiastically. He said that many people
express a desire to join the Church, but few in fact take the necessary steps
to do so.
No doubt non-Catholics interested in the Church are often
impeded by considerations like the ones mentioned in today’s gospel. They want to wait until the death of their
parents who might be upset by their desire.
Or perhaps all the rules of the Church make it seem like a place
impossible to give the soul rest. They do
not realize that it is the Lord who is calling them to come now. Chances are if they wait for a more
propitious time, they will never answer the call.
Christ calls even cradle Catholics to a deeper relationship
with himself. For some it will be a
religious vocation, for others a lay ministry, and again for others more
intense prayer. We should not lightly
delay responding to the call. He is the
Lord whose love makes us ever more fulfilled women and men.
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