Read or listen to this Sunday’s Mass readings here.

• Acts 4:32-35
• 1 John 5:1-6
• John 20:19-31

“Good-bye … good-bye, Peter.  We love you,” shouted the Pauline family as Peter was driven away from home by his father, Martin.  They were on their way to the airport so Peter could return to Steubenville, Ohio, to finish out the school year.

It had been a busy two weeks at home, which Peter had thoroughly enjoyed.  But now, he sat quietly as his father guided the car in and out of traffic.

“Well, Son,” began Martin.  “It has been great having you at home.  The rest of the year will fly by, and then you will be home for the summer.”

Peter sat quietly, gazing out the window.

Martin tried again.  “Peter, would you please be quiet.  You just can’t talk so much!”

Peter looked startled.  “Oh, sorry, Dad!  I have been thinking about the Gospel at Mass this morning.  You know, where Jesus sends the apostles out into the world and … “  his voice trailed off.  “I am just so confused.  I have to register for my fall classes before I leave school this spring.  And I’m still not sure what I am doing with the rest of my life.”

“I know you have been struggling with that, Peter.  I have been praying hard that you would be able to hear the Lord’s call clearly, whatever it is.”

“The week before spring break, I had an appointment with the vocations director at school,” said Peter.  “We talked about seminary, and what the requirements are, and lots of stuff.  He was pretty helpful.  There are times when I really think the Lord is calling me to be a priest.  But after this vacation, and seeing you with Mom and being with the family, I just feel like I should be married and have lots of kids and live in a noisy, loving family.  What do I do, Dad?”

“Pray, pray, pray … and trust in the Lord.  Do you remember that this is Mercy Sunday, Peter?” asked Martin.             “Oh, yeah,  I heard Father talk about that at Mass, also,” said Peter.

“The story of Sister Faustina is so inspiring—her vision of the Lord and her faithful writing down of His messages.  Do you remember the picture of Jesus with the rays coming from His heart?  Jesus instructed Sister Faustina to have written under the picture, ‘Jesus, I trust in You.’  That’s what you need to do now, Peter.  You need to trust Jesus that He will show you the path He wants you to follow.  Pray, seek good counsel, and trust in the Lord.  Give Him time, and He will help you know what your vocation is, whether you are to be a priest or a husband and father.  Remember too, that you will be happiest doing whatever God calls you to do.  If we follow God’s will for our lives, He will bless us abundantly.”

The drive to the airport had been all too short for father and son.  Martin pulled the car up to the curb and got out to open the trunk.  Peter gathered up his couple of bags.

“Don’t come in, Dad.  I’ve got to run.  It is only a short time until take-off.  I love you, Dad.  Thanks for a great spring vacation … and for the pep talk just now.”  Peter gave his dad a bear hug and was gone.

As Martin drove home, he had to wipe away a few tears.  His oldest was a young man, making big decisions.  Martin would have to listen to his own advice and remember to “trust in Him” also.

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