Memorial of Saint Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the Church

Today's Mass Readings

I hosted a “Discernment Retreat” several years ago. I was expecting to have men and women sign up who were primarily in their 20s and 30s. I was mistaken. I had all ages of people attend, including a woman in her 80s. I thought: “What could she possibly be discerning?” It turns out her husband died earlier that year, and she wanted to know what God wanted of her now. I was edified by her willingness to attend the retreat and ask that question.

Like the landowner going out to hire laborers, God calls us continually. He invites us to work in His vineyard. Some people experience that call at a very early age, and some only perceive it late in life. The landowner’s invitation is: “You too go into my vineyard,” which we could take as ‘no matter your age or state in life, go work in the Lord’s vineyard.’

Firstly the call is to personal conversion—to change our way of life to be more fully united to God’s plan. And, secondly the call is to a specific mission, which, of course, requires discernment. But, whenever we hear the Lord’s call, we want to be able to respond in all freedom and joy. In the end, it doesn’t necessarily matter who was called when, but we should know that we are all invited to share in the reward of eternal life. Focus on your own response, so that when you hear the call, your heart is already prepared to receive it.

Reflection by Fr. Paul Sheller, OSB