A Vocation To Love And Serve. By: C.C.

"Few souls understand what God would accomplish in them if they were to abandon themselves unreservedly to Him and if they were to allow His grace to mold them accordingly."
(St Ignatius Loyola)

   As we celebrate the fourth Sunday of the Easter Season we take the time today to acknowledge and pray for the intention of Vocations to the priesthood and religious life. 

    I felt that these words from St. Ignatius can be used to better understand the idea of vocation in each of our lives and how we are called to abandon ourselves entirely to God. Many of us, especially in the years of our youth and young adulthood take the time to "establish ourselves" listing the many plans we have for our futures. We commit to studies and various activities without acknowledging that it by God's grace and design that we will prosper, and that His will should be our deepest yearning; above the things of this world. 

   The idea of abandonment can seem quite fearful. Trusting God enough to rest fully in Him; allowing Him to "mold us accordingly". This is not something that can be taught or done for us, each of us are called to discern our vocation in life. Our fear and zealous yearning to create our own future is often a result of lacking trust in God. 

   There can be a tension and conflict in regards to what God is asking of us and what we may be willing to give. Though one may hear "surrender to Him" and "let go in trust" , it is much harder to do if we still see ourselves as the sole conductor of this surrender.      May our desire to surrender to the Lord in our lives become a prayer of allowance. May we be open to hear His voice. Let us not fear where it may take us, but may we trust that He who created all things and gave us life knows where we will find most joy. 

   May we pray today for an increase in all vocations within our Holy Catholic Church throughout the world. Let us nurture the love of Christ within our families and with our youth. Regardless of where each of us are called to serve our Lord, we all have the same vocation; to follow Him and serve Him faithfully. Let us abandon ourselves daily as to better know and come to understand where it is that we will serve Him best in love and faith.(C.C.)

“A man knows when he has found his vocation when he stops thinking about how to live and begins to live.” 
― Thomas Merton