Then Peter said to him in reply, "We have given up everything and followed you. What will there be for us?" Jesus said to them, "Amen, I say to you that you who have followed me, in the new age, when the Son of Man is seated on his throne of glory, will yourselves sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more and will inherit eternal life. Mt. 19:27-29 Memorial of Saint Clare, virgin
She experienced something which spurred her to leave conventional life. Her choice caused consternation for her family and troubled the community. She forsook everything for the sake of the one thing. St. Clare chose Christ and Christ alone. At a time in which productivity and paychecks determine value, worth and identity it can be very difficult for a woman to discern or enter religious life. To do so requires working against contemporary values and understandings. Yet, like St. Clare, these women are choosing the one thing which bestows upon them the hundred-fold.
How can I encourage religious life among the women who are in my life?
Father, draw near to the women in our diocese who are discerning consecrated life and give them the courage to hold fast to you.
Today's reflection is by:
Fr. Chuck Dornquast
Did you know...
Fr. Chuck Dornquast is a son of St. Joseph Parish in Zephyrhills. After graduating from Zephyrhills High School he entered the seminary where he would spend the next 9 years. While in seminary he spent time at many of our diocesan parishes and discovered more and more the heart of Christ the High Priest within him. After ordination, he spent his first 4 years of priesthood as the associate pastor of St. Lawrence in Tampa. He currently serves the Diocese of St. Petersburg as the Director of Vocations.
Pray with us for the men and women discerning the priesthood and religious life. To pray for our seminarians by name or to find out more about the Diocese of St. Petersburg vocations office, click here
