The word “vocation” contains a root etymology from the Latin verb “vocare” meaning “to call.” A vocation is defined as a “calling.” It can apply to a job or a way of life that a person feels strongly drawn to or “called” by the work itself and those in need of it. Doctors, nurses and social workers frequently refer to their professions as “vocations.” In religious circles, however, vocation is most often used to describe a state in life to which God “calls” someone.
The Gospel from St. Matthew today is often considered the scriptural basis for the principle of separation of Church and State: render to Caesar what is his and to God what is God’s. that principle is derived from the image stamped on a coin.
In the early hours of Sunday, October 19, 2014, I watched as His Holiness Pope Francis celebrated the beatification Mass of Blessed Pope Paul VI (1897-1978) at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
“Today vast numbers of people still do not know Jesus Christ.” Pope Francis begins his message for this year’s celebration of World Mission Sunday with these words. But he quickly offers us the way to make a joy-filled, life-giving difference in this regard. “World Mission Sunday is a privileged moment when the faithful of various continents engage in prayer and concrete gestures of solidarity in support of the young Churches in mission lands.”