In the Gospel of St. Matthew, Jesus said “Come Follow Me”
This day is dedicated to prayer and reflection on vocations, with a focus on the call to ministry and the support of those discerning their calling.
So again, Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. (John 10,10)
In today’s Gospel, Jesus proclaims himself the Good Shepherd who enters by the gate of the sheepfold is the shepherd of the sheep.
The idea of the gate today has intrigued me. Jesus is not only the shepherd but also the gate through which the sheep may proceed safely. As the gate Jesus opens and closes the gate on the way out of the sheepfold to the green pastures, and in for the night to be safe from dangers while they rest from the day’s labors. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture.
Pope Leo’s message for this Sunday is very beautiful, and provides great food for thought.
His theme is: The Interior Discovery of God’s Gift. In his message, he describes the vocation in answer to God’s call as The way of beauty, which can be nurtured and grow in the faith community through Mutual awareness. Through the intimacy of his friendship, you will discover how to give of yourselves, whether through marriage, the priesthood, the permanent diaconate, or consecrated life. Every vocation is an immeasurable gift for the Church and for those who receive it with joy.
This awareness leads to an intimacy built on Trust in the ways of God, resulting in a Maturation of the life in God.
A vocation entails an intimate dialogue with the One who calls and invites us to respond, despite the deafening noise of the world, with true joy and generosity.
Dear brothers and sisters, dear young people, I encourage you to cultivate your personal relationship with God through daily prayer and meditation on the Word. Pause, listen and entrust yourselves. In this way, the gift of your vocation will mature, bringing you happiness and yielding abundant fruit for the Church and the world.
May the Virgin Mary, model of the interior acceptance of divine gifts and expert in prayerful listening, always accompany you on this journey!
From the Vatican, 16 March 2026
LEO PP. XIV
The Lord, Pope Leo said, knows us and enlightens our hearts with His loving gaze. In fact, he highlighted, every vocation begins with the awareness and experience of a God who is love.
Along with the whole Church, let us pray for vocations today. Let us take time to stir the hearts and minds of the people around us to think about the topic of Vocation.
Vocations Sunday Prayer
God our Loving Father, you called each of us by name through the Sacrament of Baptism to holiness.
Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, you made us the temples of the Holy Spirit.
Help us to listen to the cry of our Lord Jesus from the Holy Cross ‘I thirst’
and respond to the call.
‘Go out to the whole world and proclaim the good news to all the nations.
Guide us in every step we take in life
and lead us in every decision we make in responding to your call.
Make us and mold us into the living images of Christ your Son,
who was always close to those in need.
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord,
Amen.
