A. What Is a Vocation?
1. What is a vocation?
It is a call from God to a mission that encompasses one's entire life.
2. Examples of vocations?
Let us mention two among many possibilities:
- Religious vocation: In many instances it can be defined as a divine call destined to manifest to the world the transience of earthly things, lifting human gaze toward eternal realities. It involves leaving the world to devote oneself primarily to prayer.
- Priestly vocation: A divine call to share in the priesthood of Jesus Christ, administering the Sacraments and preaching His doctrine.
3. Does a vocation include celibacy?
Celibacy is a treasure included in many Christian vocations.
4. Is a vocation an honor or a responsibility?
Both. It is an immense honor to be chosen by God, and naturally this great treasure demands faithful fulfillment of the mission entrusted. The Lord assists with His abundant gifts.
5. Can an ordinary person have a vocation?
A vocation is a profound gift that transforms an ordinary person into one chosen by God, but this great transformation can be interior. There are vocations where holiness is sought precisely in ordinary daily life (see Opus Dei).
B. What Is a Vocation Like?
1. How does one know if they have a vocation?
God our Lord makes His voice heard in various ways: during personal prayer, through the words of another person, through reading a book, etc. A holy restlessness usually arises that, if persistent, is a good indication that God is asking for something. One should certainly seek guidance from experienced spiritual mentors. For instance, in discerning a Carmelite vocation, one should consult Carmelites.
2. Is a vocation a dramatic divine call?
This can be understood in two senses:
- Regarding the greatness of the gift: a vocation is truly magnificent, an act of divine predilection accompanied by countless graces.
- Regarding the manner of the call: while the Lord may choose any way He pleases, normally a vocation is a discreet, gentle call. God desires our response to be completely free; a dramatic, overwhelming manifestation might diminish the freedom of our response.
3. What is the interior process of a vocation?
It can be summarized as follows: first, God our Lord expands the heart of the chosen person. This person discovers within themselves a new desire to love God and neighbor, and responds generously to the divine call. Then the Lord rewards the generous gift of one's life with the specific gifts of that vocation and with an expanded capacity for love, which He fills Himself. And the heart overflows with joy.
4. Are vocation and love connected?
Vocation is intimately bound up with love. It is proof of God's love for the chosen soul, and it requires that the soul love God and neighbor in return:
- A vocation brings with it many gifts that are of immense good for the person chosen. Whoever receives a divine vocation can be certain that God loves them in a special way.
- A vocation is a call requiring a generous response, setting aside other personal plans to devote one's energies to the new mission. Accepting the call is an act of love for God and a desire to serve Him.
- A vocation is a call to carry out a special task, which always includes spreading divine love to others.
- With the vocation, the Lord grants all the necessary graces to fulfill the mission. Thus, a vocation enlarges the heart of the chosen one, making it capable of receiving a greater divine love that must then be shared.
5. What gifts accompany a vocation?
In general, an increase of divine love in the soul that imparts a unique joy and a greater capacity to communicate that love to others. In addition, one receives all the graces necessary to fulfill the mission. For example, the Pope, upon election, receives the gift of infallibility necessary to guide the Church.
C. How to Preserve a Vocation
1. How does one persevere in a vocation?
All love requires nurturing, and love for God is no exception. The primary cause of faltering in a vocation is neglecting the care of divine love (prayer, piety, generous sacrifice). The remedy is turning the heart back toward the Lord with renewed fervor.
2. Why do people abandon a vocation?
The fundamental reason is that divine love cools. Secondary causes can then intervene, usually earthly attachments where the heart becomes entangled. These generally fall into three areas: romantic sentiments/sexuality, professional ambition, and material wealth. A heart that neglects prayer can become captured by other attachments. If supernatural outlook is not cultivated, earthly things can appear more valuable than God's choice.
3. An example of earthly versus supernatural perspective?
The Apostle John, for love of God, left behind a successful fishing enterprise with hired servants. From a purely earthly perspective, it seemed like a foolish sacrifice. Yet from the perspective of eternity, his choice to follow Christ was the greatest treasure imaginable.
4. Another example?
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph possessed few material riches and held no prestigious worldly positions. Yet they were the happiest beings who ever walked the earth. The secret lies in total love for God.