Can I be happy in my life if I don't follow the vocation Jesus invites me to embrace?
If someone does not follow the vocation for which Christ made them, they can attain a certain degree of happiness in this world and still attain salvation. However, they will not be as happy or blessed as they might have been had they followed their proper vocation. This is why it is so important that everyone discern their particular vocation prayerfully and responsibly. Of course, there are trials and challenges in every vocation. To become a priest or consecrated religious does not take away all suffering, neither does becoming a husband or wife take away all suffering. But there is great joy in laying down one's life for Christ. Your vocation is Christ's gift to you. How you respond is your gift to Him.
What are the possible vocation through which I might be called to follow Christ?
Most people are called to the married state of life while others are chosen and called to the state of election as priests or consecrated religious men and women. Some single and married men are called by Christ to be permanent deacons. Christ also calls some men and women to the consecrated single life. Remember—it is normal to desire marriage and family, but just because you have this desire does not exclude the possibility that you have a vocation to the priesthood or consecrated life.
If I decide to enter the seminary or convent to "give it a try" am I commited for life?
No, you are not. Most vocation directors agree that the only way to really know that you have a vocation to priesthood or religious life is to enter the seminary or convent. During the formation years God's will becomes more and more clear as you pray and discern with others. The years spent in formation are a benefit to you spiritually even if you discover that you are not called to be a priest or consecrated religious.
I'm not all that "holy". Can I still be a priest or consecrated religious?
Holiness—being like Jesus—is a lifetime endeavor for every person in every vocation. If you don't see yourself as very holy right now, know that God will change you slowly, day by day and week by week. When the time is right, you will be ready to be His instrument of grace for others. But for now, frequent the Sacrament of Penance at least once a month. Repent of your sins, receive the sacraments and pray every day. You will be surprised at how Christ-like you can become.
Building a vocation culture requires that young people become aware of the tremendous dignity of their call to holiness and a life lived in union with Christ. They must be encouraged to understand that the deepest longing of the human heart is to know and love Our Lord personally, to follow Him faithfully and to serve Him generously in whatever vocation He is inviting them to embrace
UNIVERSAL CALL TO HOLINESS
Christ calls us to be holy, to be conformed more closely to His image and likeness. Growth in holiness is a continuous spiritual development, nurtured by the Sacraments, personal prayer and spiritual reading. In the words of Pope John Paul II,
The call to holiness is a universal call, valid for all human beings without distinction of age, profession, race or language. Just as all are redeemed, so all are called. The vocation to holiness, in fact, means putting into practice in one’s own daily life, the example and teachings of Jesus Christ.
The general call to holiness is concretized through one’s particular vocation. The following areas are offered as an aid to become more open to that vocation and thus, to follow Christ more closely.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Pray ... asking the Lord to show you the vocation He has prepared for you and invites you to embrace.
Listen ... to God and have the courage to respond to Him freely and generously.
Recite ... the rosary daily, asking Mary, the Mother of Christ and the Mother of us all, to intercede with her Son on your behalf.
Make ... Eucharistic Holy Hours, placing yourself in the Real Presence of the One who calls, the One who invites.
Read ... and meditate on Sacred Scripture and other good spiritual reading including the lives of the saints.
Attend ... Mass and receive Holy Communion as often as your state in life and current responsibilities will allow.
Go ... to confession frequently and consistently.
Serve ... your parish, and elsewhere, as needed and as you are able.
Talk ... with a priest or consecrated religious about your vocation questions and concerns, seeking spiritual direction and guidance.
|
