Out of our mind for Christ

Sisters and brothers in Christ, when I started Diaconal Formation several years ago, many wondered why I would put so much time and effort into something that not only would not help me earn more money but take me away of time with families and friends. They had a point but, at the same time, it was a desire in my heart to serve God and His people in this special way. This calling from God was hard for me to understand at that time, much less explain, but it has brought me much peace and joy to follow God's will.

I cannot imagine how difficult it might be for a young man or a young woman to explain their calling from God to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as a priest or a religious brother or a religious sister. In a way, the view is that they are giving up a lot - money, career, a family of their own one day, etc. - to live a life dedicated to serving God and His Church on earth. By worldly standards, many might even think that they are out of their minds.

Yet, as our Lord Jesus Christ shows us into today's Gospel, while a life following the will of His Father in heaven might an a challenging one - to the point of not being able to rest or eat in his own home - there is a lot of joy in saying "Yes" to God to serve Him and His people. Fortunately, Jesus had the support of his Mother, Mary, his foster father, Joseph, and his disciples and friends.

As we celebrate Called by Name Sunday, in the Diocese of Austin, this Sunday, let us pray for all our priests and religious brothers and sisters for their "Yes", as well as for all young men and young women (and their families) who are discerning God's will and the vocation that He may be calling them to. May they have the strength to come and follow Jesus Christ even if others might think that they are out of their minds.

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Gospel of the Day

Jesus came with his disciples into the house.

Again the crowd gathered,

making it impossible for them even to eat.

When his relatives heard of this they set out to seize him,

for they said, "He is out of his mind."