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SOMETHING TO THINK AND PRAY ABOUT THIS WEEK
The Vocation of Ministry
When you look at the priest in your parish, think about who you see rather than what you see. The who is the man that at some stage in his life felt that God wanted him to become a priest. The who is one that knows uncertainty, doubt and disappointment, but one who still finds faith rewarding and ministry his chosen way of life. The who is one that appreciates a kind word and absolutely needs the support of your prayers. If we see the priest as what, he becomes a function, a dispenser of services and something just to be contacted when a service is required. When Jesus sent out the twelve, he knew that the people needed them just as much as they needed the people. That truth remains unchanged.
Think now of the priests you know, the religious you know, and remember their interactions with you in life. Moments of sadness and grief, moments of uncertainty or fear, sickness or tension –moments too of celebration and joy, where was he or she? Chances are, very close to you and yours. Maybe when you hear criticism of priests or religious, when sincere, accept and understand it and empathise, but maybe when you feel it is not justified you could say, ‘That hasn’t been my experience’ –in this, at least, you are acknowledging the path chosen in response to God’s call because Jesus noticed people and felt they needed ministers in their midst. Maybe have a word after Mass; a smile, handshake and, ‘Thanks for that, we’re glad you are here among us. By the way, I said a prayer for you this weekend.’
Vincent Sherlock, Let Advent be Advent
We remember at this time...
Sport is practised across the globe, and, as Cardinal Tolentino reminded us during the recent Jubilee of Sport, “even when practised alone, sport is always a communal act, underlining its power to speak to the human heart, its joys, its longing for meaning, transcendence, and the infinite”.
Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed a vision of sport that encompasses the whole person – body, mind, heart and spirit. He emphasised teamwork and the educational dimension of sport.
Former Italian Olympic swimmer, Novella Calligaris, said, “For an athlete, losing is crucial—it’s the moment when one truly reveals who they are: how they recover, what they learn, and how they define their next goal.”
May this Jubilee awaken in all athletes – and any of us who play sport – the awareness that we too, too, are missionaries of hope.”
Sacred Space – Daily Prayer for 25 Years
Sacred Space began in 1999 and has offered new content every day since then. You can learn more about Sacred Space on our About page, or if you are a regular, you can share your Sacred Space Story on our Feedback page. For our 25th anniversary, we are featuring stories from people for whom Sacred Space has played a special part in their lives. Please consider sharing your Sacred Space Story.
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