God's Call

Those who are called to the priestly or religious life receive a very special grace and are provided with abundant means to grow in holiness. If they embrace it and live it well, they will be able to attain a higher perfection than would be possible for them if they were to refuse this grace and continue an ordinary life in the world. This is not because religious are called to a different holiness than other Christians but because they receive so many helps to grow in holiness, and because they are given special graces to embrace this way of life that is modeled closely on Christ’s own manner of life.

Although no one is strictly obligated to embrace the evangelical counsels as such, a given individual may imperil his salvation by refusing to follow a special call to dedicate his or her life wholly to the service of God. Paul could say, “Woe to me, if I do not preach the Gospel!” (1 Cor 9.16)

How can an individual recognize the way of life to which he is called by God? First of all one must have recourse to prayer, and while one prays, one must try to maintain an attitude of perfect detachment, not allowing oneself to be inclined to one alternative rather than to another before God manifests His will. One must maintain a spirit of generosity and readiness to embrace whatever God reveals to be His will. If one prays, reflects, and seeks in this manner, God will let the person know what He wills for the person.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching