One of the realities of Christian life is that each and every human being has a divine vocation to which he or she is called by God. Yes, each of us.
Unfortunately and for various reasons, many people do not discern or respond to that call and, I believe, then find themselves wondering why they are never really happy in life. The world with all its distractions and demands often make it seemingly impossible for many to come to know themselves as God knows them and loves them. This is a great source of distress in the world and in our Church.
Others, though, indeed do discern accurately their vocation in life and respond to it. Many in the married state have done so. Bishops, priests and deacons do so. So to single people and those called to the religious life. They spend years making that discernment and then committing their lives to the vocation for which God has made them. For those so gifted, great caution is needed in living out their vocations.
Safeguard your calling, brothers and sisters! There is a lot out there in the world that will distract and erode the commitment you have made to God’s call. The vocation you have is worth more than all the wealth of the world. Be on guard! Protect what has been given you, and never take it for granted.
In the light of many reports now-a-days of men and women crashing and burning in their vocations, (see for example of yet another report today in the news of a cleric of high rank resigning because of improper relationships given his state in life), we all must safeguard what is so precious to us and to the Church.
Don’t forget the basics. Pray. Keep your attention to your obligations to your promises, vows and state in life. Rest. Keep yourself accountable to others who are trustworthy, and turn a deaf ear to the incredible number of sources of doubt, deception and allurement in our contemporary world.
And never forget we all are imperfect, needing the support of others. Don’t isolate yourself. Avoid self-medicating in whatever form.
