I was not trying out for the Olympics, just sixth grade basketball. But, I was nervous. I thought I was pretty good, even though I heaved one-armed free-throws. After a tough day of try-outs, I was cut. When I found out, I was shocked. I went straight home and cried. What made it even worse was that my mother was not nearly as upset as I was: “It’s O.K.,” she said, “You have other gifts.”
That was it?!? I begged her, but she would not call the principal and complain, or storm over to the coach’s house to defend my honor and help heal my wounded pride. Here was another tough lesson for me to learn.
From the stands I would watch my best friends win games and have a good season. Soon, I realized why I would never be a basketball star. Jimmy could do terrific layups, Willy could sink free-throws, Rich could dribble and run down the court at the same time (I usually tripped or lost control of the ball).
Yes, I guess they were right. I had other gifts.
It took me a while to realize that good basketball players have a combination of rare gifts and talent including coordination, speed, agility, strength. I had one or two, but did not have the whole package. No one likes to be cut from a team, but, as they say, when one door closes, another opens up.
Consider your gifts. Consider your talents. When you are looking at a possible vocation to ministry in the Church, in religious life, or as a priest or brother, look at your strengths. Then talk with someone who knows you well – a teacher, a parent, a priest or other religious mentor. You may need to spend time looking around for the right fit. Remember that God calls many, but few are chosen.
Jesus chose his disciples personally. He did not ask for resumés or hold auditions. For good reason. Such a life requires a rare combination of spiritual and human gifts. These gifts are often discovered through prayer, an active life in service to others, conversation with a spiritual guide, and discussion with a vocation director. Putting the pieces together is part of a good process of discerning a vocation. I may think I have what it takes for a religious vocation, but the call needs to be confirmed with advice and objective feedback from a wise mentor and guide. A more complete picture of my vocation emerges in the process of prayer and discernment. When thinking over a vocation, you might start with a check list:
Five indications I might have a vocation to religious life:
1. I have a nagging sense of a call from God – that God is inviting me to something unique in my life. I have a sense that I was made for something different – not that I am better than anyone else – but I feel that I was made to live a life that is not the norm. I am not completely certain about my future, but I ask God to help me trust more in His will. While I continue to pray for clarity, I also need to pray for courage to take the next step in following Jesus. I don’t have to be completely sure or without any doubt.
2. I want my life to make a difference in this world, by serving the less fortunate, and spreading the Good News of the Gospel to others. The world is in desperate need of generous people who want to help others to experience God’s presence and love – I want to be one of those.
3. I am active in my faith – I am a baptized and confirmed Catholic, and I try to pray every day. I know I have a lot of faults – I am not a saint (yet). But, I stay connected with my local parish or school faith community for Sunday Mass, daily Mass when possible, and the sacrament of reconciliation.
4. I talk regularly about my faith and my life with a priest, spiritual guide or director.
5. If I have not done so, I plan to speak with a vocation director who will get to know me well and help me to see where and how my gifts can best be used for the service of God and the Church.
PS: In eighth grade I tried out for the soccer team and discovered my gifts were better suited there.
-from Callings, vocation newsletter
That was it?!? I begged her, but she would not call the principal and complain, or storm over to the coach’s house to defend my honor and help heal my wounded pride. Here was another tough lesson for me to learn.
From the stands I would watch my best friends win games and have a good season. Soon, I realized why I would never be a basketball star. Jimmy could do terrific layups, Willy could sink free-throws, Rich could dribble and run down the court at the same time (I usually tripped or lost control of the ball).
Yes, I guess they were right. I had other gifts.
It took me a while to realize that good basketball players have a combination of rare gifts and talent including coordination, speed, agility, strength. I had one or two, but did not have the whole package. No one likes to be cut from a team, but, as they say, when one door closes, another opens up.
Consider your gifts. Consider your talents. When you are looking at a possible vocation to ministry in the Church, in religious life, or as a priest or brother, look at your strengths. Then talk with someone who knows you well – a teacher, a parent, a priest or other religious mentor. You may need to spend time looking around for the right fit. Remember that God calls many, but few are chosen.
Jesus chose his disciples personally. He did not ask for resumés or hold auditions. For good reason. Such a life requires a rare combination of spiritual and human gifts. These gifts are often discovered through prayer, an active life in service to others, conversation with a spiritual guide, and discussion with a vocation director. Putting the pieces together is part of a good process of discerning a vocation. I may think I have what it takes for a religious vocation, but the call needs to be confirmed with advice and objective feedback from a wise mentor and guide. A more complete picture of my vocation emerges in the process of prayer and discernment. When thinking over a vocation, you might start with a check list:
Five indications I might have a vocation to religious life:
1. I have a nagging sense of a call from God – that God is inviting me to something unique in my life. I have a sense that I was made for something different – not that I am better than anyone else – but I feel that I was made to live a life that is not the norm. I am not completely certain about my future, but I ask God to help me trust more in His will. While I continue to pray for clarity, I also need to pray for courage to take the next step in following Jesus. I don’t have to be completely sure or without any doubt.
2. I want my life to make a difference in this world, by serving the less fortunate, and spreading the Good News of the Gospel to others. The world is in desperate need of generous people who want to help others to experience God’s presence and love – I want to be one of those.
3. I am active in my faith – I am a baptized and confirmed Catholic, and I try to pray every day. I know I have a lot of faults – I am not a saint (yet). But, I stay connected with my local parish or school faith community for Sunday Mass, daily Mass when possible, and the sacrament of reconciliation.
4. I talk regularly about my faith and my life with a priest, spiritual guide or director.
5. If I have not done so, I plan to speak with a vocation director who will get to know me well and help me to see where and how my gifts can best be used for the service of God and the Church.
PS: In eighth grade I tried out for the soccer team and discovered my gifts were better suited there.
-from Callings, vocation newsletter
