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Fixing our eyes on Jesus through discerning vocations

HolyHour4Aug17

Pope Francis emphasised that the Christian life needs to be nourished by attentive listening to God’s word and above all, by the cultivation of a personal relationship with the Lord in Eucharistic Adoration. Photo: Josh Low.

By Josh Low

Perth Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton has last weekend Sunday 13 August led more than 50 people during a Holy Hour for Vocations at St Mary’s Cathedral.

The occasion brought together more than 50 people together for pray in front of the Blessed Sacrament in Eucharistic Adoration.

Seminarians from St Charles and Redemptorist Mater seminaries were also present for the occasion.

Bishop Sproxton began by reflecting on Pope Francis’ message for the 54th World Day of Prayer for Vocations.

In his message, the Holy Father focused on the missionary dimension of our Christian calling, saying that our mission is to be anointed by the Spirit and to go forth proclaiming the Word to our brothers and sisters and ‘be for them a means of salvation’.

Pope Francis added that there can be no promotion of vocations or Christian mission apart from constant contemplative prayer.

“The Christian life needs to be nourished by attentive listening to God’s word and above all, by the cultivation of a personal relationship with the Lord in Eucharistic Adoration; the privileged ‘place’ for our encounter with God,” he said.

HolyHourAug17

Bishop Sproxton spoke about approaching 40 years in the priesthood, referencing the Gospel reading of the day when emphasising the importance of keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus in discerning vocations. Photo: Josh Low.

In his homily following the message of the Holy Father, Bishop Sproxton spoke about approaching 40 years in the priesthood, referencing the Gospel reading of the day when emphasising the importance of keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus in discerning vocations.

“I certainly had many doubts and fears when I was thinking about that first step of going into the seminary and beginning my time of formation, but the Lord provided in a wonderful way,” he said.

He added that the message of Pope Francis rang true to him, in fixing our eyes on Jesus and knowing that He walks with us every step of the way in our lives.

“We come to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament asking that we need people who experience His presence as we walk into the future, answering the call to the vocation that He calls us to, no matter what that vocation might be.

“We experience it now; Him walking with us, encouraging us and certainly not putting before us things we can’t handle, that cause us to fear, turn away or fail,” Bishop Sproxton said.

He continued by calling for prayer in particular for the young people in our parishes who may have received calls to their vocation, whether it be to the priesthood, consecrated, religious or married life.

“Whatever that call is we pray that the Lord will give them courage and belief that He is with them, walking with them and that they will be able to make that first step on that wonderful and exciting journey with the Lord for the rest of their lives,” he concluded.