Food for thought

Being baptized does not simply mean entrance to a sort of “club,” theologian John Cavadini said during a June 14 talk to U.S. bishops at their spring assembly in Indianapolis.

Aug 12, 2017

Being baptized does not simply mean entrance to a sort of “club,” theologian John Cavadini said during a June 14 talk to U.S. bishops at their spring assembly in Indianapolis.

“It is very hard to talk to young people about vocational discernment” without a proper sense of what baptismal vocation is, he said.

Through baptism, Cavadini explained, Catholics participate in the vocation of Christ in his priesthood and in his prophetic and royal mission.

Baptism leaves an indelible mark on our souls and orients us toward the Eucharist, Cavadini said. “The primary vocation of baptism is to the eucharistic life and eucharistic communion as a member incorporated in Christ and called to the unity of but one body — and thus to participate in Christ’s triple vocation of love: priest, prophet and king.”

This vocation is more than just a call to “repair the world” and work for social justice, he said. Understanding baptismal vocation requires a foundational sense of the mystery of the church.

“Why the church? Why is it worth belonging? What’s the point of that vocation?”

To foster and encourage vocations, Cavadini said, Catholics need to “love the church” and teach a love for the church.

Total Comments:0

Name
Email
Comments