How To Discover Your Vocation
How To Discover Your Vocation
Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, also known as Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face, is a Doctor of the Church and, without a doubt, a saint who has had a substantial impact on Catholic spirituality. Her “Little Way” has proved over time to be a path straight to the heart of God.
In one of her most famous quotes she says,
“Then, overcome by joy, I cried, 'Jesus, my love. At last I have found my vocation. My vocation is love. In the heart of the Church, my mother, I will be love, and then I will be all things.’”
These words remind us that love is the be the very core of our actions in service to the Lord. They remind us that there is no “easy” life, only the ease with which we accept the love of Christ and pour out that love to others.
The married couple will face hardships. The single Catholic will face hardships. The priest and the consecrated religious will face hardships. Even if one discerns their perfect vocation, no vocation is “perfect.” That is, life is full of sacrifice and dying to the self is difficult. Even Christ asked the Father to take His cup from Him in the Garden of Gethsemane; pain is painful even for Jesus!
The knowledge of the difficulties we will face in life might drive us into despair, were it not for the comfort of Emmanuel, or God With Us. Jesus is the Word Incarnate and is with us every moment of every day. He said to us “take my yoke upon you and learn from me,” (Matthew 11:29). When we live in the presence of God’s unfailing and powerful love, when we take the yoke of Jesus upon ourselves, we are able to bear all things through Him.
The married couple will face hardships. The single Catholic will face hardships. The priest and the consecrated religious will face hardships. Even if one discerns their perfect vocation, no vocation is “perfect.” That is, life is full of sacrifice and dying to the self is difficult. Even Christ asked the Father to take His cup from Him in the Garden of Gethsemane; pain is painful even for Jesus!
The knowledge of the difficulties we will face in life might drive us into despair, were it not for the comfort of Emmanuel, or God With Us. Jesus is the Word Incarnate and is with us every moment of every day. He said to us “take my yoke upon you and learn from me,” (Matthew 11:29). When we live in the presence of God’s unfailing and powerful love, when we take the yoke of Jesus upon ourselves, we are able to bear all things through Him.
If you are discerning your vocation, we would like to offer you our FREE Ebook: 10 Tips for Discernment. In light of the love of Christ, these tips will help you discover the plan God has for your life and how you can respond in love.
©2019 Franciscan Friars of Atonement
©2019 Franciscan Friars of Atonement