Vocations, Lifestyles, and Doing God’s Will

relationship, transcendence, growing in the Faith

vocations

Today’s society is more preoccupied with encouraging its members to pursue attitudes and careers that lead to personal, self-gratifying fulfillment, rather than the universal, selfless service found in vocations. The results are disturbing, as many lose sight of what truly matters in life (and it is not simply about one’s own individual happiness and pleasure).

One evening, when I was in middle school, my father showed me his high school yearbook. As he paged through, reminiscing on his past experiences, he pointed to a picture of a priest and said, “He was my spiritual advisor.” I asked him why he had one of those and he replied that he had been considering the seminary. This was the first time I heard my father mention that he had thought about becoming a priest. This was intriguing, to say the least.

I later learned that he had applied to the seminary (and was accepted), but that he never entered. When I asked why, he said that he no longer felt the call. I thought to myself, “Why would God make someone go through all of that, and then not have them fulfill it? I would soon learn that many go through similar experiences, themselves. I would, too.

Conflicting Standards of Vocations & Lifestyles

As I went through adolescence, vocations and lifestyles became more interesting, and each seemed to have its own, unique set of standards. Being in a Catholic high school meant there was always emphasis on the priesthood and religious life. However, the world expressed more attractive opportunities and lifestyles, which brought more “success,” more possessions, and more “happiness.”

This became more appealing to me as I went through college, and following graduation, I pursued opportunities that seemed lucrative, and would get me to where I wanted to go. I also did the same with relationships. Although, there were moments of joy, there was not true fulfillment.

I had dreams, goals, and things I wanted to experience, and the world was encouraging of this. I did not have time to look inward, though, as I was preoccupied with what was accepted as the outside norm. However, something was indeed lacking.

Eventually, I became a Youth Minister, and later, met an incredible woman on a retreat. It was now that I knew I had to seriously discern a vocation. I needed to ask God, “Where do YOU want me?” I wanted to hear that solid, consistent, and supportive voice, telling me where I was meant to go, and what I was meant to do.

The Answer to the Absurd

Many times in today’s culture, people are lured by the empty promises of instant success and pleasure, where carefree spontaneity is considered an entitlement. This obviously sounds absurd, but it still sells. These voices are loud and misguiding. As a result, many become disoriented. They are unfortunately being led away from their true purposes in life.

Other times, many hear the voice, but are afraid to listen because they do not like what is being said. It sounds too counter-cultural, or may require more effort, more attention, and yes, possibly more sacrifice. The call of the world seems more appealing with its enticing sights, sounds, pageantry, and profits.

One evening, I entered an Adoration Chapel and chose to listen to this voice. I finally found the courage to ask God what He wanted out of me. I relinquished my own self interests and chose to be guided by His will. I was ready to open myself up and accept His ways, His plans, and His answers. This was a risk, but one well worth taking.

There is risk to being counter-cultural, and allowing the Lord to lead you down your true path in life. Many speak of success in terms of salary, possessions (even marital status), but true success lies in purpose, and being vulnerable before the Lord in order to attain it.

The Virtue of Vulnerability

Vulnerability is not a quality of weakness, but of strength. As St. Paul wrote in his Second Letter to the Corinthians, “…for when I am weak, then I am strong”, (2 Cor. 12:10 NAB). The noble act of opening up and allowing Christ to have a say in your life, creates a whole new outlook on the world. The opportunities are filled with promise and fulfillment. It is ironic how we are reluctant to be vulnerable before God, when He made Himself vulnerable before us by coming into the world as a baby, and then handing Himself over to be killed.

Of course, allowing one’s self to accept God’s call does not come without challenges. Though the world may strive for materialism that leads to happiness, God strives for purpose that leads to salvation. There is no such thing as an easy vocation. All come with crosses (as do lifestyles). Our world often shies away from these. As Christ emptied Himself, we too, must empty ourselves by forsaking the false riches and promises of this world to embrace Our Lord’s call.

Vocations bring the necessary trials, needed for salvation. This is not to say that lifestyles do not also involve suffering, but there is one major difference. Christ is united with us in our vocations, becoming ever present to us each and every day. In this way, He is constantly offering His graces to sustain us, making us living examples of His love and mercy for others.

Lifestyles can run contrary to God’s will, thus rejecting His grace (a grace that is freely offered, but must be authentically sought). For example, the single life may appeal to one who does not wish to be “tied down” or obligated to another. A marriage may be based on convenience over commitment, and even those who were married in a Church may not be fulfilling the sacrament by instead using contraception or engaging in infidelity. And sometimes, a religious vocation can be abused by one choosing to enter into it in order to escape the world. The fact is, as St. Augustine taught us in Confessions, God has made us for Himself, and it is in Him that we find rest and resolve.

Finding Rest in a Vocation

This rest and resolve equates to a sense of knowing we are fulfilling our destiny in the eyes of eternity. It is our duty to engage in fruitful discourse with God. He has given us free will, but true freedom lies in doing His will above our own, as this also brings peace.

I will never forget that evening I spent in Adoration, as it deepened my conviction on where I was meant to go in life. I did not have a spiritual advisor. I never applied to seminary. Nevertheless, God pursued me as only He could, and was patient until I realized I needed His guidance. Then, just at that moment, He revealed to me my vocation. How many go through life never witnessing this awesome experience?

The vocations of marriage, the priesthood, the religious life, and the single life, each play an integral role in the salvation of the world. The willingness to become vulnerable before God is essential in order that His will be accomplished in us. The world has its own agenda, but it will eventually come to pass. God’s agenda lasts forever, as does His grace.

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1 thought on “Vocations, Lifestyles, and Doing God’s Will”

  1. Pingback: THURSDAY EXTRA | Big Pulpit

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