By Sr. Sarah Yungwirth
Every year, Congressman Romano Mazzoli hosts a summer luncheon for the seminarians and Vocation Office staff. He also invites a few priests so that they can share their wisdom with the group. This is always a wonderfully enriching and inspiring gathering and I come away touched by listening to what everyone has shared about his own journey. This year, 5 seminarians and 7 priests were a part of this luncheon. Mr. Mazzoli asked everyone present to share how he had heard God’s call in his life and how God had brought him to where he is on his journey. (He also invited Kelly, the Vocation Office secretary, and me to share, as well.) As everyone shared, I was touched by God’s amazing love and his ability to touch each person right where they are so that he or she can move forward in grace, through love. There was both a commonality and uniqueness in each story. The seminarians and priests are humbly desiring to serve God in a way that makes a powerful difference in the world.
This luncheon reminded me that God always finds a way to speak to each of us, in the midst of the ups and downs of life. It may be a suggestion from someone we admire, it might be a nudge in the quiet of our heart, it might be the desire for greater meaning and purpose. Yet, God is continually calling each of us to holiness and deeper friendship with him. These seminarians and priests are terrific examples of openness to that reality. But, each of us is called to be open to that reality, as well. God has a wonderful plan for each of us, no matter what it might be. God has given each of us a specific set of gifts, talents, desires, and hopes that can be used in service. When we live out of that call, a joy, peace and hope will be available that nothing can take away, even in the midst of life’s troubles and problems. May each of us be open to the grace of the gift of God’s call!
Sr. Sarah Yungwirth is Associate Director of the Vocation Office for the Archdiocese of Louisville.
