Discernment

How do I know?  How do I know God is calling me?  A vocation to the priesthood or religious life is a mysterious thing because it involves a relationship with God. God doesn’t normally jump out of the sky and tell us what he wants from us, but He does make use of certain signs by which we can discern our vocation.  What are these signs?  There are three:

• Do I have a desire for the priesthood or religious life?
• Do I desire it for the right reasons?
• Am I fit for it?

The first sign has to do with desire.  That is, do I really want the priesthood or religious life?  Am I drawn toward it, attracted by it?  Does it give me a certain sense of satisfaction to think of myself as a brother or priest?  A feeling of enthusiasm or joyfulness?

The second sign has to do with motivation. Why do I want the priesthood or religious life?  What’s behind my interest and attraction?  Are my motivations positive and life giving?  For example: Do I want to live the Gospel of Christ as fully as possible?  Do I want to study Scripture and bring its message to more and more people?  Do I think the three vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience are the best way for me to dedicate my life to God and his people? Do I want to share a common faith and spirituality with a community and work together for justice and peace?

The third sign has to with fitness.  Do I have the ability to live the life as it should be lived?  Can I live it comfortably, cheerfully, and generously, without going to pieces or without a constant drain on my inner resources and energies?  Am I in reasonably good physical, mental, and emotional health?  Can I live in chastity with joy and peace?  Can get along and work well with others?  Am I willing and able to work seriously at developing a solid spiritual life, a life centered in God and radiating out in service to His people?

 Maybe these standards seem pretty high, their cost pretty heavy.  And they are.  The priesthood and religious life are not social clubs.  Each is away of life that engages your total personality.  But at the same time, we don’t expect perfection.  What counts most is your heart.  Are you growing in your capacity to love?  To give of yourself?  To pray? To let God be more and more the center of your life?   If so, then God may be calling you to a life as priest or a brother.  If you are inspired by St. Francis and his example, then you may have a vocation to the Capuchin Franciscans.  Be open and generous in responding to God’s call.  He will not disappoint.