Vocation

          In one of my diaconate formation classes, we got on the topic of our vocations – our calling to the diaconate.  Several class members shared how, during a pulpit announcement about the upcoming diaconate formation class, they felt as if the speaker were talking directly to them, as if they were the only ones in the room.  Others described conversations where someone unexpectedly suggested that they consider becoming a deacon, without ever having given it a moment’s thought before that.  My calling was nothing like those.  But no matter how the call comes, we’re all called to fulfill our baptismal mission of priest, prophet and king (or queen if you prefer).  That’s the message of today’s readings.

           Our readings today speak of vocations.  Saint Peter reminds us that we’re “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation . . . so that [we] may announce the praises of him who called [us] out of darkness into his wonderful light.”  (1 Peter 2:9).  In our Gospel, Jesus calls us to action, proclaiming that “whoever believes in me will do the works that I do and will do greater ones than these.”  (John 14: 12)  And we’re given a wonderful example of the communal discernment of vocations in our first reading where, “[f]aced with the inability to care adequately for all the people, ‘the twelve,’ . . . put their trust in the discernment of the entire community to resolve their problem.”[1]  It’s kind of funny that their solution was deacons.  Most think we’re the problem!

We all have a vocation – sometimes many.  The Catechism tells us that our vocation is the “calling or destiny we have in this life and hereafter” and that “the fulfillment if this vocation is eternal happiness.”[2]  While our occupation may be our vocation, there is a difference:  an occupation is what we do; a vocation is who we are – it’s deeper; it’s spiritual.  In the Christian context, we receive our vocation at baptism, where we are imprinted with Christ’s indelible spiritual character and take on his mission as priest, prophet and king.  You could say that “[w]e share in the priesthood and kingship of Jesus through the grace of our Baptism.”

          Now, this whole vocation thing may sound like a pretty tall order, and it is, but rest assured that God has given us all we need to carry out our vocations.  The divine empowerment that Jesus himself received from God is available to all who believe in him.  That’s’ why Jesus tells us in today’s Gospel that those who believe in him will accomplish even greater things.[3]  It’s a matter of trust.  “The Gospel tells us that Christ gave his life for us and has entrusted us with his mission.  In turn, he asks for our trust so that as we take on his mission, we will bring it to fruition in new and greater ways.”[4]  God will give us all we need to fulfill our vocation, and then some, if only we heed the words of the Psalmist:  “Lord let your mercy be upon us as we place our trust in you.”  (Psalm 33: 22)

          Each one of us is called, and each one of us is empowered with the gifts to fulfill our calling.  In the words of Blessed John Henry Newman, “God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another.  I have my mission.[5]”  God created each one of us to play a unique role in his great plan.  It’s up to us, then, to listen for the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, to consider the promptings of our community and to discern our calling in every moment of our lives.  Some may be called to specific vocations like mothers (Happy Mother’s Day, by the way!), fathers, priests, deacons or religious; others may be called to specialized fields of service, like social work or healthcare; and others still may be called to stand up for what’s right when no one else will.  We may be called to continue doing what we’re already doing.  We may be called to think outside of the box, to change things up, or to go in a new direction.  People are starving, sick, lonely, confused and desperate.  There’s no shortage of ways to be priest, prophet and king.  We just have to listen for our calling, trust Jesus, and follow him.   

          My own calling to the diaconate was very subtle.  It started as an idea that grew into curiosity.  That curiosity led to a lot of research and many conversations.  With those conversations came affirmation that resulted in conviction and commitment.  And here I am standing in front of a couple hundred people in a dress (I think I pull it off pretty well, if I do say so myself).  My calling wasn’t dramatic – God probably figured that I was dramatic enough already – and it wasn’t immediately obvious.  It was a slow-burning sense of assurance that I was headed in the right direction.  While I can’t speak for you, my vocation certainly has been a blessing for me.  Through it, I’ve been privileged to serve at the altar, baptize, marry and bury 130 people; I’ve visited the sick and the imprisoned; I’ve organized charitable activities; and I’ve engaged in a lot of challenging theological discussions and have loved every one of them.  My vocation isn’t always easy, but it brings me great joy and fulfillment.  So much so that I pray for the same for you; I encourage you, no, I urge you to listen for God’s invitation, trust Jesus and pursue your vocation.

Readings:  Acts 6: 1-7; Psalm 33: 1-2, 4-5, 18-19; 1 Peter 2: 4-9; John 14: 1-12

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[1] Mary M. McGlone, “Anything is Possible,” National Catholic Reporter, vol. 53, no.15 (May 5-18, 2017) at 23.

[2] Catechism of the Catholic Church, glossary.

[3] Scott M. Lewis, “The Gospel According to John,” New Collegeville Bible Commentary:  New Testament, Daniel Durken, ed. (Collegeville, Liturgical Press, 2009) at 348.

[4] McGlone.

[5] John Henry Cardinal Newman, “Meditations on Christian Doctrine, Hope in God – Creator,” Meditations and Devotions (March 7, 1848) (emphasis added).