"For the World Day of Prayer for Callings, falling on 13th April 2008, I chose the subject: ‘Callings at the service of the Church-mission’": this is the opening of Benedict XVI’s message, disclosed this morning by the Vatican Newsroom. "The Church explains the Pope is missionary as a whole and in every one of its members. While by virtue of the Sacrament of Baptism and Confirmation every Christian is called to testify to and announce the Gospel, the missionary dimension is specially and intimately connected with the calling to priesthood". Those who receive the calling he goes on are "chosen men, called by Him and sent to the people in His name, in the mission of being prophets and priests". This applies even more to the first disciples of Jesus, chosen "as the close assistants of the Messianic ministry", sent first "to the lost sheep of the house of Israel". "Responding to the call of the Lord means facing, with prudence and simplicity, ever peril and even persecution", says Benedict XVI, even if the messengers are "vested with powers from above". (continued)
