Friday, February 12, 2010

Our Vocation


First of all, what is a vocation?


"A vocation is a call to that special walk in life ordained for us by God, part of a great divine plan. It is a mystery that man accepts and lives in the depth of his being, a gift and a grace, which we cannot truly grasp or understand. God Who loves us, Who is love, is also "He Who calls". Therefore in the presence of a vocation we can only adore the mystery, respond lovingly to the initiative of love, and say 'yes' to the call. At the heart of every vocation there is always Jesus, Who Himself explained, "You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit" (John 15:16). The response depends on the generosity of the heart of the one called, because He Who calls always leaves freedom of choice: If only you would listen to the Lord, the great Friend. He looks you in the eye and He speaks to your heart in the intimacy of personal prayer.(Quotations from Pope John Paul II on Vocations)"




We all go through a period of time where we wonder: “what am I meant to do in this lifetime?”Especially those that are graduating High School and are heading off to college. But, I think we tend to focus on our career only. Which, isn’t bad at all. Our career is definitely part of our “call”.

1 Corinthians 7:7 says this:

“Indeed, I wish everyone to be as I am, but each has a particular gift from God,
one of one kind and one of another.”

We all were made in the image and likeness of God. We all have certain gifts and abilities that God gave to us to do His work. But, we don’t often ask God: “How can I do Your work?” If we are good at writing, or singing, or whatever it may be, we need to take the time to ask God how to use these gifts. Until we are doing God’s will, we will never feel at peace. A favorite quote of mine is:
“Seeking God's will for your life... that is wisdom. Going outside of His will
brings misery. His will brings peace."
-Mother Margaret Mary from the
Children Of Mary.


Your gifts are your strong points. It's what you enjoy doing, what you feel passionate about. And chances are, sometimes it’s something that people will compliment you on. God gave you these things to do wonderful work.


There is also the priesthood, religious life, and married life. This is another part of vocation discernment. Those that are discerning their vocation would probably agree with me when I say this part of discernment is harder. It involves patience, a daily prayer life, and putting complete Faith in God. Patience is a grace that we must pray for, and understanding to know what great works He calls us to do.

There are many ways to feel called. But, for most it’s through prayer and adoration. It’s through prayer and adoration you come to know God and your own self.


Some just feel it. Some hear a voice, but this also takes a special gift.

For those that do not know, I have been discerning my vocation for a while now.
I have gotten to know myself better through adoration. I have developed a relationship with our Lord through adoration. I have also had many dreams.


Dreams can be a way that God speaks to us, and we know this by a great example: St. Joseph.
Those dreams that you really remember and that really stand out...pray about them. Because maybe God is trying to tell you something.

Don't try to figure your life out all alone. Do it with the help of God. Put Him in charge!
He knows what's best for each and every one of us. Pray to Jesus, Mary, and all of the Saints.
Also, study! Seek answers! Get a spiritual director. If you're interested in the priesthood/religious life- visit a seminary/convent. Send emails. Make phone calls. Go on retreats.

With marriage, the best thing to do is to just pray. Pray for the perfect man/woman to enter into your life. And be careful where you look for your spouse. I believe finding your future spouse in a Church, would be better than a bar. And last, but not least, don't settle for less than you deserve. There's a great book for women that I suggest reading:
"The ABC's of Choosing a Good Husband" there is also the guy version: "The ABC's of Choosing a Good Wife"


And I think I'll end this with a prayer.

O Holy Spirit, Spirit of wisdom and divine love, impart Your knowledge,
understanding, and counsel to youth that they may know the vocation wherein they
can best serve God. Give them courage and strength to follow God's holy will.
Guide their uncertain steps, strengthen their resolutions, shield their
chastity, fashion their minds, conquer their hearts, and lead them to the
vineyards where they will labor in God's holy service.

Amen.

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