Developing a sense of vocation

I BELIEVE that we should arouse in everyone the need to develop a

sense of vocation. I believe that this is something that has to be

pushed consistently nowadays since there is a lot of ignorance and

indifference to this need which is actually basic for all of us.

  

Of course, we have to do it slowly but steadily. Slowly, because the

matter is quite complex and requires a lot of explaining to do.

Besides, we have to know how to present things in such a way that they

get understood and appreciated especially among the young ones whose

mindset, attitudes, culture, etc. are quite different from those of

the previous generations.

  

But, yes, it has to be done steadily, hopefully without let-up, and in

a way that can make use of the usual things people get involved in

nowadays to lead them to develop a sense of vocation.

  

It is indeed a big challenge to face, but one that is all worthwhile.

And we just have to convince ourselves also that we actually have all

the means we need to be able to do the job. Let’s try not to vacillate

from carrying out this duty.

  

We need to define, first of all, what a vocation is. It is a call that

God, our Creator, makes on each one of us who is his creature, created

in his image and likeness, endowed with powers and faculties that

together with his grace would enable us to enter and share in the very

life of our Creator, God.

   

We should never forget that we come from God, and not just from our

parents, and we also belong to him, and not just to our parents, to

anybody else or simply to our own selves.

  

Thus, the mere fact that we exist as a human person already presumes

that we are called by God, that is to say, that God calls us to be

with him, or that we have a vocation.

  

Vocation then has to be understood as having a universal scope. It is

not simply meant for some people who may be inclined to things of

religion and piety. It is for all.

   

But that general universal vocation may still have to be made more

specific. And this is where one has to be more discerning to see what

God is trying to show him. He could remain as a layperson, married or

single, or God may want him to be a cleric or a religious person.

   

And there are many charisms and spiritualities in the Church that one

can choose. But as to which one a person is meant to be or to have, I

imagine that this can be done if one develops a life of prayer, and

makes use of means, like spiritual direction.

  

But the problem now is that hardly anyone feels the need for real

prayer, that intimate conversation with God which should be a result

of a loving desire to deal with God, to look for him, and to really

know, love and serve him. Otherwise, a person will not feel the need

for developing a sense of vocation, or if he feels something in this

regard, it will most likely deceive him.

  

I believe it is important that this matter of developing a sense of

vocation should be worked on even in their childhood stage. Of course,

it has to be done in ways suitable to the condition of the child, but

it should begin at that stage. That way, things become easier and we

can save time and effort when the children grow up and start to wonder

what and how they should be in life.

   

In this regard, it should be made clear that we are dealing with

spiritual and supernatural realities with a lot of mysteries involved,

such that we should pursue this task of developing a sense of vocation

with the proper attitude and skills.