Claret writes this letter from the Canary Islands where he worked as an apostle during almost a year and half, leaving a footprint visible even today.
For some time now we are complaining of the lack of vocations for the priesthood and religious life and even about the truly committed laity in the proclamation of the Gospel and in the service of the Christian community. It is a fact motivated by complex reasons such as: less number of children, secularization of the society, etc. We should not forget that the vocation is a gift of God and not a simple fruit of human effort, not even of an eloquent Christian witness. How many times Christian and responsible parents have given the best example to their children and then they were surprised or even bear the undue guilt feeling to see them not following their footsteps. Sometimes the seed is sown and the harvest is not seen because it takes place later on or simply it does not take place; but certainly, if we want to reap, we have to sow.
Another very important question as Fr. Claret mentions in this letter is that the one who is called to priestly or religious life or according to the permitted possibility of a commitment of a lay person, is he giving the best of himself? Looking at history – the ever present teacher of life- we see many times a single Christian influencing effectively in a lasting manner, not only during his time but even after his death and for centuries. Let us think about St. Francis of Assisi or those of the recent past, Blessed Charles de Foucauld and Blessed Theresa of Calcutta….; and so many priests, religious and laity about whom the communication media have not spoken, but they have left their footprints in life and in the heart of many persons – Christians or non-Christians-, who have known them.
Do I really commit myself to others according to my vocation and my possibilities? Or do I withdraw myself by my spiritually lukewarm attitude, comfort seeking mentality or selfishness?