Christ’s Invitation to Young Men: ‘Come and See’

By Cardinal Justin Rigali

The Gospel according to Saint John provides two accounts of the call to discipleship. First, when Saint John the Baptist points to Jesus and declared: “Behold, the Lamb of God,” two young men, Saint Andrew and probably Saint John the Evangelist, immediately followed after Jesus. Jesus turned to the men and asked: “What are you looking for?” The young men could only respond, “Rabbi, where are you staying?” The response of Jesus is simple, yet so profound: “Come, and you will see” (cf. Jn 1: 35-39).

Evidently, these two young men, fishermen by trade, were seeking something more out of life. They were drawn to the preaching of John the Baptist. With their hearts prepared by the words of John, they had a longing to see the Messiah. When John pointed out the Lamb of God, the One on whom they set their hopes, these two young men immediately wanted to be near Jesus, to follow Him, to stay with Him. In accepting the invitation of Christ ”Come and see”— these young men saw much more than they ever dreamed and found more in life than they could ever have imagined. They desired to bring others to Jesus. Immediately, Andrew found his brother Simon Peter and brought him to Jesus (cf. Jn 1: 41).

The Gospel narrative continues with the call of Saint Philip, who, in turn, sought his friend Nathaniel (also known as Saint Bartholomew). Philip enthusiastically informed Nathaniel about Jesus: “We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus, son of Joseph, from Nazareth” (Jn 1: 45). When Nathaniel doubtfully questioned his friend, Philip replied with apostolic fervor: “Come and see” (Jn 1:46). Philip brought Nathaniel to Jesus with the invitation - perhaps even a bit of a challenge. Nathaniel’s initial encounter with Jesus led the young disciple to declare immediately: “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel” (Jn 1: 49). Nathaniel, too, would become a great Apostle. His vocation began with that simple invitation, “Come and see.”

Priestly Vocations: The responsibility of all the Faithful
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has done much to promote vocations to the priesthood within our local Church. Through the media, through discernment evenings and weekends at our archdiocesan seminary, as well as through time spent observing parish priests, young men have been given the opportunity to observe the ministry of the priest and to dialogue on the possibility of a priestly vocation. I am very grateful to my brother priests for their efforts at promoting vocations. Their joyful example of selfless dedication and prayerful devotion has had a tremendous impact on our youth. Even in the wake of the recent scandal and current difficulties, young people are positively influenced by our faithful priests.

On Sunday, March 19, I will join with the Auxiliary Bishops and many priests for a special Vocation Day at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. The priests of the Archdiocese were requested to invite young men, ages 15 through 45, to participate in this day of prayer and dialogue on priestly vocations. I ask everyone to pray that this day will be fruitful and that many young men will hear and recognize in this invitation to “Come and See” the voice of Jesus Himself calling them to follow Him in the Priesthood.

Within the past several months, I hosted two dinner meetings with young men interested in the Priesthood. Both were coordinated by Father Christopher Rogers, Director of Vocations to the Diocesan Priesthood. One of those dinner meetings resulted from a charge which I placed on our seminarians to go and find other young men who are interested in the Priesthood. Our seminarians took that call to heart and invited others to come and see. As a result of the efforts of 11 seminarians, 22 young men joined together in prayer at the seminary and then dinner and conversation about the Priesthood at my residence. Some of these young men were high school students, others in college, and others in professions. Each is considering the Priesthood. I am grateful to our seminarians for rising to the challenge and I encourage them to continue to invite young men to “come and see.”

One young man shared with me that he knows that this is a difficult time in the history of the Church. He wants to help by becoming a good priest. This attitude is consistent with the Church’s experience down through the ages. In times of turmoil, some may shy away from a call to priestly ministry. However, there are many who heroically step forward and joyful present themselves: “Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will!” Such valiant and selfless young people provide hope in the midst of hardship and darkness. They remind us of the ceaseless work of the Holy Spirit, who will never abandon the Church.

In addition to the efforts of our priests and seminarians, it is important to reiterate that the promotion of vocations is the duty of every Catholic. Pope John Paul II, in his apostolic exhortation Pastores Dabo Vobis (“I Will Give You Shepherds”), wrote: “There is an urgent need, especially nowadays, for a more widespread and deeply felt conviction that all the members of the Church, without exception, have the grace and responsibility to look after vocations” (no. 41). This is done within the classroom, in Religious Education Programs, in CYO activities, in the neighborhood, and especially within the family. Never hesitate to encourage a young man to consider the Priesthood. Sometimes a simple word of encouragement, inspired by the Holy Spirit, will result in a priestly vocation.

It is also important to remember that the Paschal Mystery of Christ is the source of vocations within the Church which never runs dry. In the power of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, young men will be moved to deny themselves, take up the Cross and follow in the footsteps of Jesus (cf. Mk 8: 34). I renew my request of all the faithful of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to pray for priestly vocations, especially during periods of Adoration before the Most Blessed Sacrament. Jesus truly present in the Holy Eucharist is the cause of priestly vocations and the end to which all priestly ministry is directed. We must petition Him again and again, with loving persistence and trust, that He will raise up for us more priests to continue His saving work.
March 16, 2006

Prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood

Father, in your plan for our salvation you provide shepherds for your people. Fill your Church in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia with your Holy Spirit. Raise up from our families future priests of our Lord Jesus Christ: worthy ministers for your altar and ardent servants of the Gospel.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.