What do you think of when you hear the word “vocation?” You might think of the priesthood or the religious life. Or you might think of marriage or the consecrated life. Each of these would be correct… to a certain extent. But the Catholic tradition recognizes three levels to each vocation.
This Advent, invest in a weekend will help you discern God’s direction for your life and teach practical discernment tools for your faith journey.
- The Universal Vocation The universal vocation is the vocation that we are all called to. It is best expressed in Jesus’s own words in the Gospel of Matthew: “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’… You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” St. Therese of Lisieux expressed this truth in the most memorable way, “My vocation is to love.” As Catholics we are all called to a love that is expressed in holiness of life.
- A State of Life Although we all have the primary vocation to love and holiness, we must choose a specific state in life through which we give expression to that primary vocation. For many people this means living out the vocation to love in the married life. But for you it might mean living the same vocation as a priest or religious brother. Choosing a specific state in life gives you the opportunity to express our love for God and others in a unique way.
- Your Vocation Within A Vocation (this-ness) On his deathbed, St. Francis of Assisi said, “I have done what is mine to do. May Christ now teach you what is yours to do.” By this Francis meant that he had taken the unique passions and talents God had given him, and put them at the service of the gospel. Within your own calling God further calls you to use the talents and gifts He has given you to further His kingdom on earth.
The Franciscan Friars of the Atonement are brothers and priests in the Franciscan tradition who have a specific charism of fostering “At-One-Ment” in our relationship with God, others and within ourselves. This vocation within a vocation is lived out through ministries of healing, ecumenism, and charity.
If you are discerning a call to the priesthood or religious life as a brother, we invite you download our 10 Tips to Discernment Guide.
If you are a single young adult who is discerning God’s call for your life, the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement invite you to a special Young Adult Weekend Retreat on December 7 – 9.
©2018 Franciscan Friars of Atonement