WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I FEEL CALLED ?
Where your heart is, there is your treasure also. (Mt 6:21)
The best way to find out if you are being called or not, is to begin your search now. The followings are some guidelines:
Be in touch with God
Vatican II reminds us that “when God calls …an answer can only be given with the encouragement and help of the Holy Spirit." (Ad Gentes, #24)
To know the will of the Father you have to be in touch with Him and his Spirit, and this is done by developing a regular life of prayer. You need to spend time with God, share with Him your feelings and thoughts, listen to Him, be honest with Him, and wait for Him.
Prayer is your personal response to the One who loves you. How should you pray? There is no fixed way of praying. Just as you are unique and different from others, your prayer form is also unique to you. You pray the way you can, the way you find most conducive in expressing your relationship with God. As times pass, you may change the form of your prayer according to your needs. The point is, whatever way you pray is secondary, what is primary is that you keep in touch with God.
The reader who finds difficulty in prayer is advised to seek counsel on “how to pray" from a spiritual director.
Prayer of a Youth For Choosing A Vocation
Lord Jesus, to You I resort unceasingly. Guide me!
In my youthful life, what direction should I take? Help me!
Guide my steps to the vocation that Your love has destined for me!
Advise me!
Disperse the darkness, show Your care. O give me light!
The way is uncertain, what road should I follow?
May Your divine light enlighten my future! O give me light!
I ask You for courage to follow You guidance. O give me strength!
In a firm voice, dispel my fear. O give me strength!
Inflame my youthful heart with love of You, of joyful readiness!
Come and give me Your hand!
Amen
Seek guidance from a Spiritual Director
A spiritual director is your soul-friend. He is someone you trust and can be honest and open to. He clarifies your thoughts and helps you to be in touch with your feelings. He helps you to be close to God. He assists you to discern the promptings and movements of the Spirit in your life.
Follow the movements of the Spirit, be open and be not afraid
In your personal prayer and your spiritual direction, be attentive to the stirring of the Spirit within you.
- What kind of feelings you have when you consider the ministry of a priest?
- How do you feel when you observe, read or hear about the life and mission of a dedicated priest?
- How does your heart respond when you read Scriptural passages about the calling of a disciple, a prophet, a man for God?
If you have strong positive feelings when you consider the above mentioned, speak to the Lord about it and ask him for direction. It is important that you be open to the grace of God. Search for his will sincerely, and your honest response will bring great joy to your life.
Pope John Paul II says, “be more docile to the voice o the Spirit, let the great expectations of the Church, of mankind, resound in the depths of your hearts. Do not be afraid to open your minds to Christ the Lord who is calling. Feel his loving look upon you and respond enthusiastically to Jesus when he asks you to follow him without reserve." (Pastores Dabo Vobis, # 82)
