| “Is it I, Lord?” - DISCOVERING YOUR VOCATION - THE FOUNDATIONS Prayer – Daily prayer, especially before the Blessed Sacrament, is essential for forming a heart able to tune into heavenly hints of your call. Ask the Lord to purify your motives. Counsel – Regular spiritual direction can be a great help to knowing God’s will for your life. Take time to speak personally with a priest, a religious sister or someone else whom you trust and can assist you in this way. THE RIGHT APPROACH Openness – Until you are certain of your vocation be open to whatever it is God may be asking of you. Remember: “Love is patient.” (1 Cor 13:4). Zeal – Take the time to find out more about the different possibilities before you. Be bold and seek out what you need to know. Generosity – Try to overcome your hesitation with a wonderful spirit of generosity. Dare to do great things for God and His Church. HELPFUL SIGNS Sanitas (Health) – Consider if you have the necessary health, physical and psychological, and maturity to fulfil the challenges of the particular vocation being considered. Sapientia (Wisdom) – Some vocations require a certain intellectual ability. Whether you would be able to sufficiently achieve what is required will be a good guide. Sanctitas (Holiness) – Basic goodness of life and fidelity to your faith, despite weakness, will indicate if you may be ready to commit yourself to a life of service. Desire of the Heart – The deep desires and longings of your heart will be one of the clearest signs of the direction in which God is calling you. Blessing of the Church – Confirmation of your vocation generally comes with the clear declaration of the Church’s acceptance of your commitment. Merciful Father, source of all holiness, help me to know your will for my life. Guide me through the words and actions of those you send me. Give me a spirit of openness, zeal and generosity. May I never forget that I am called to be a saint. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. |
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