Vocations
“Everyone has his own specific vocation or mission in life; everyone must carry out a concrete assignment that demands fulfillment. Therein he cannot be replaced, nor can his life be repeated, thus, everyone’s task is unique as his specific opportunity to implement it.” ~ Viktor E. Frankl
We all have a task that has been entrusted to us by God. As we are all unique individuals, that task cannot be given to another and carried out in the manner in which we would have carried it out. Our uniqueness provides a unique completed task. Someone else may accomplish a similar task but no one will be able to do it the same as we can.
God calls people and tasks them in all sorts of walks of life. Some are called to be doctors, lawyers, nurses, teachers, architects, draftsmen, welders, bricklayers, electricians, and a whole host of other professions. Some are called to be husbands or wives, dedicated singles, priests, deacons, brothers, or sisters.
All are called to specific tasks and to specific walks of life and none can be replaced by anyone else. We all are a very special piece of an extremely elaborate and vibrant puzzle. If our piece is not laid down on the board, the puzzle will not be complete. For that matter, we will not be complete either.
Honore de Balzac once wrote, “An unfulfilled vocation drains the color from a man’s entire existence.” It’s true. I have known people who have been dour people. They have looked unhappy and unfulfilled. I would contend it was because they were not in the life to which they had been called. If you find your vocation, no matter what life throws at you, it will not bring you down. To that, Nick Cannon once said, “My Vocation is my Vacation. I love what I do.”
The Church has set today aside as the World Day of Prayer for Vocations and, to that end, we pray specifically for an increase in Church vocations. In a special way, I would ask you to pray for one of our parishioners, Steven Caraher, who is preparing to be ordained a deacon this June and a priest next summer. Pray also for Patrick Cullars who is in the process of applying to the seminary to discern his vocation.
Please pray as well for an increase in vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and religious life. May God give a willing spirit to those He is calling to serve Him in His Church.
FAITH ACTION: If you know someone who would make a good priest, deacon, brother, or sister, encourage that person to consider the call.