Vocations and the Eucharist

Guest columnist

Benedictine Sister Lisa MauerIn 2022, the bishops of the United States officially launched the National Eucharistic Revival to inspire and prepare the People of God to be formed, healed, converted, united, and sent out to a hurting and hungry world through a renewed encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist – the source and summit of our Catholic faith. The revival is a direct response to the Holy Father’s call for a “pastoral and missionary conversion which cannot leave things as they presently are” so that the church in the United States might be “permanently in a state of mission” (Evangelii Gaudium, 25). This makes it the perfect time to talk about vocations and the Eucharist! 

Vocations are all about a permanent state of mission (being open to and available for the work of God in the world today) and it is said that very often vocations begin with the Eucharist. Surely vocations in the church are developed through the Eucharist and are preserved by the Eucharist. All of this is true because the Eucharist is Jesus Christ, still on earth, working in and through men and women whom he calls to share in his life. 

The Eucharist is meant to be the “source and summit” of the life of each Christian (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1324). If we desire renewal in our own lives and to enjoy an abundance of vocations to the religious life and the priesthood, we should repeatedly turn to the Eucharist. A heart-to-heart experience with Jesus in the Eucharist is bound to make an impact on our lives, realign our priorities, and prepare our hearts to say “yes” to however we are being called. 

Pope John Paul II, in his message for the XXXVII World Day of Prayer for Vocations, reflected on the centrality of the Eucharist as the source of vocations in the church. He emphasized how the Eucharist is the mystery of Christ alive and through which Jesus continues to call people to follow him. He reminded us that the Eucharist is not only a sacrament but also a source of inspiration and guidance for those seeking their vocation in the church and accentuated the importance of responding generously and courageously to God’s call. This generosity and courage, he said, comes from the Eucharist. 

My own vocation was realized through a personal relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist. I know that attending daily Mass and participation in Eucharist Adoration played a big role in my call. My desire for religious life was nurtured and my closeness to Jesus grew through these Masses and times of adoration. It was through the Eucharist that I clearly heard Jesus calling me to be his own and dedicate my life to him as a consecrated religious. It was through the Eucharist that I was able to say “yes.” And it is through the Eucharist that I am able to continue my “yes” day after day. 

By living our lives in relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist, we ourselves become the Body of Christ and are we able to be all God dreams us to be. Whether we care called to priestly, religious, single, or married life, the Eucharist must be the source from which we draw our strength and inspiration guiding us our journey to fidelity to God’s call. 

If you or someone you know wants more information about vocations email [email protected] or visit www.duluthbenedictines.org/vocations.

Benedictine Sister Lisa Maurer is a sister of St. Scholastica Monastery.