It is fascinating to watch infants' faces when they are being shown the hand and finger movements to accompany the reciting of words in a familiar nursery rhyme:
"Here is the church, and here is the steeple;
Open the door and here are the people."
Later on they might agree that the little rhyme was a good introduction to their understanding of the word "church" as a place where people meet to practise in prayer their reverence for God, his creation and his creatures.
In the process of introducing Jesus to meaningful church membership his parents brought him with them to the great temple at Jerusalem. A 12-year-old boy would be excited and interested. Alert to everything, his idea of church life would be filled out with new meaning. As it was festival time there would be a large number of people praying in the temple precincts. Naturally, Jesus's parents would be keen that he should meet those well known for their example in lives of devotion to God in prayer. It would nourish awareness of vocation.
They brought Jesus to meet Simeon, an upright man devoted to the service of God, living in expectation of the "salvation of Israel". It had been revealed to him that he would not die before he saw the Lord's Christ. On seeing Jesus he knew immediately that God had kept His promise. He said: "At last, Lord, You dismiss Your servant in peace, as You promised! For with my own eyes I have seen Your salvation which You have made ready for every people - a light to show truth to the Gentiles and bring glory to Your people Israel." Mary and Joseph marvelled at Simeon's assurance that Jesus was indeed the Christ.
People are grateful when they are influenced by the example of saintly persons who persist in praying to God and obeying Him. The simplicity of the nursery rhyme, "Here is the church and here is the steeple", is enriched when we meet members of the church with a strong vocation such as Simeon.
Another person of strong vocation present in the temple that day was Anna, a prophetess. "She spent her whole life in the temple and worshipped God night and day with fastings and prayers." She also spoke about Jesus to all in Jerusalem who were expecting redemption.
People with an abiding sense of being called by God, people with a strong vocation, be they clergy or laity, do much to "get across" the real meaning of the church, and attract others.
Mary and Joseph's visit to the temple at Jerusalem with the child Jesus nourished their vision of God and His church. In replying to their concern about Jesus delaying their departure journey home, Jesus revealed His strong sense of vocation: "I must be about my father's business". Vocation, the call from God to give our lives in His service, may begin as a whisper that can be ignored, but as we realise the "hound of heaven is on our trail" we know we will have little peace until we obey.
"We thank God for all with a vocation and for the memory and example of all that has been true and good in their lives." We pray for all with a true vocation to serve in the sacred ministry.
"Wisdom and zeal and faith impart,
Firmness and meekness, from above
To bear thy people on their heart
And love the souls whom thou dost love;
To watch and pray and never faint,
By day and night their guard to keep,
To warn the sinner, cheer the saint,
To feed thy lambs and tend thy sheep;
Then, when their work is finished here,
In humble hope their charge resign;
When the chief Shepherd shall appear,
May they with crowns of glory shine."
W.W.