We ask each other all the time, “How’s it going?” and the answer’s usually the same. “Fine. I’m good, thanks.” Neither are true of course. We’re not fine and God alone is good. But saying we are is easier than answering a much harder question, namely, “Where’s it going?”

Most sincerely held convictions about the good of martyrdom usually include an argument for its being of some help toward the preservation of a people’s unity. Soldiers who die for their country might say so, in any case. It’s all very strange though, how the sacrifice of one man might benefit the life of a whole community. It’s like trying to understand how the Eucharist works.

If the Church is a household, then liturgically we’re in that awkward in-between phase after demolition but before reconstruction; everything looks worse before it looks beautiful again.

Someone recently asked me, “Father, when you pray, do you pray to Jesus? Or to the Father? Or to the Holy Spirit?” I replied, “I ask Jesus to come to me, and then I pray with Him to the Father. At least, that’s how I experience it.” She followed up, “So what about the Holy Spirit?” “Well,” I said, “I suppose He’s the One making it all possible.”

When Pope Benedict was asked how many ways there are to God, he replied, “As many ways as there are people.” It caused some to be concerned that the Holy Father was implying that a person could attain the beatific vision (get to heaven) without the assistance of Christ. But that’s not what he was saying. He was saying there are many ways to Christ.

There may be other elements, but all authentic vocations will share these characteristics:

They are from God.

They correspond to the person’s humanity.

They are for love’s sake.

The word vocation means “a calling.” Think of voice, vocal, or vocabulary. A vocation is a word that God speaks to our heart, calling us to a particular way of life.

What is a sign of an arrow’s having been drawn in to the archer’s bow? It is that the arrow has been loaded with energy to go forth. What is the sign of a man’s having been drawn in to Christ’s heart? In him we can see the same. The disciple is becoming an apostle all the while he is being drawn in to Christ.

I have been away for a few days of rest following the Holy Week liturgies and Easter Sunday. Regarding Easter Sunday itself, I want to say how grateful I am that everything went as smoothly as it did, logistically. We have some wonderful liturgical ministers and ushers! Even so, the crowds at all the Masses were very large — as expected — and yet, thank God, the day passed without incident. With the exception of one or two people who needed some air, everyone seemed well enough to pray and truly to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. Despite the uncertain weather, the day was filled with Easter joy.