Vocational Discernment
"The questions lurking in human hearts and the real challenges of life can make us feel bewildered, inadequate and hopeless. The Christian mission might appear to be mere utopian illusion or at least something beyond our reach. Yet if we contemplate the risen Jesus walking alongside the disciples of Emmaus (cf. Lk 24:13-15), we can be filled with new confidence"
- Pope Francis, Message for World Day of Prayer for Vocations
Discerning one's vocation in life is not easy. It is a challenge, particularly if one thinks one is alone. But, we as baptized realize that we are not alone. Jesus Christ is walking with us in the same way in which he walked with the disciples on the road to Emmaus. He accompanies us through the community of faith, the Church. We encounter Christ and are accompanied on our journey in our participation in the Sacraments, through the teachings of our Faith, by the Church's ministers, and in communion with the People of God. In our personal prayer, he is present as well, but we need to quiet ourselves and hear the "tiny whispering sound" as did the Prophet Elijah in the cave (1 Kings 19:12).
As St. Vincent Pallotti taught in the
nineteenth century, so does the Second
Vatican Council and the Popes that followed,
we are called to be apostles or missionary
disciples. We have an apostolic vocation in
life. Even those who are contemplative pray
not for themselves, but for the whole
Church. Whatever our particular vocation -
marriage, Consecrated Life, or priesthood -
we are all sent by God on mission to our
brothers and sisters, witnessing Christ by
what we say and do. We are called to
accompany others in prayer and action in
encountering Christ.
Over the last years, I have had the privilege of accompanying many young men and women as they discerned their vocation in life. As each would make her or his choice after a long questioning and search that was sometimes bewildering, a sense of profound peace would come upon them. This is the peace that comes from Christ in and through the Holy Spirit. It is the peace that he has left us as his missionary disciples so that we may go forth in his name!
May the Charity of Christ urge us on!