Understanding God’s Call in Your Life
The word “vocation” is often associated with a career or a specific way of life, but in a Christian context, it has a much deeper and more profound meaning. A vocation is a call from God—a personal invitation to live out your life in a way that aligns with His purpose and plan. It encompasses who you are meant to be, how you are called to serve, and how you can grow in your relationship with God. Let’s explore the meaning of vocation, its origins, the general vocation of every Christian, and the special vocation to Cistercian life, along with some practical insights on how to discern your own vocation.
The Meaning and Origin of the Word “Vocation”
The term “vocation” comes from the Latin word vocare, which means “to call.” In its deepest sense, a vocation is a calling from God. It is not just about what you do for a living; it’s about who you are called to be in God’s eyes. It’s a divine invitation to live out your faith in a specific way, whether in marriage, single life, consecrated life, or priesthood.
Vocation goes beyond mere occupation; it touches on the essence of who you are and the unique purpose for which God created you. In Christianity, everyone has a vocation, a role to play in the body of Christ, which involves both a general call to holiness and often a specific call to a particular way of life.
The General Vocation of a Christian
Every Christian shares in a common vocation: to know, love, and serve God. This is often referred to as the "universal call to holiness." All Christians are called to live out their faith authentically, to grow in virtue, and to become more like Christ in their everyday lives. This involves:
Loving God and Neighbor: Following Jesus’ command to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and to love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39).
Living a Life of Prayer and Sacrament: Staying connected to God through prayer, reading scripture, and participating in the sacraments.
Serving Others: Engaging in works of mercy, justice, and charity.
Growing in Holiness: Seeking to conform your life to the teachings and example of Christ and his Church, embracing humility, patience, compassion, and other virtues.
This general vocation is the foundation upon which any specific calling is built. Whatever your particular path, it should always lead you closer to God and help others do the same.
The Special Vocation to Cistercian Life
Within the universal call to holiness, some are called to a specific vocation, such as Cistercian monastic life. The Cistercian vocation is a special calling to live out the Christian life in a unique way, characterized by a deep commitment to prayer, community, work, simplicity and friendship with Jesus.
Cistercians, a branch of the Benedictine monastic tradition, strive to follow the Rule of Saint Benedict, which emphasizes balance between prayer (Ora) and work (Labora). The Cistercian life is marked by:
Contemplative Prayer: A primary focus on communal and personal prayer, including the Divine Office, silent meditation, and contemplation.
Community Life: Living in a close-knit monastic community, sharing in the joys and challenges of life together, and supporting one another in the pursuit of holiness.
Work: Engaging in meaningful tasks that sustain the community and serve others, integrating physical or intellectual and pastoral work with spiritual growth.
Simplicity and Silence: Embracing a simple lifestyle, detached from material excess, and cultivating interior and exterior silence to foster a deeper relationship with God.
A Cistercian vocation is a call to a radical way of living the Gospel, marked by a deep desire to seek God in prayer, community, and work. It is a life of total dedication to God, lived in solitude and silence, yet also in communion with others who share the same commitment by living the monastic vows of stability, obedience and conversatio morum.
How to Discern Your Own Vocation
Discerning your vocation is a journey that involves prayer, reflection, and openness to God’s guidance. Here are some practical steps to help you discern your own vocation:
Pray Regularly
Begin with prayer, asking God to reveal His will for your life. Spend time in quiet reflection, listen to God’s voice in your heart, and ask for the grace to respond courageously to His call. Regular prayer helps you become attuned to God’s desires for you and opens your heart to His guidance.
Listen to Your Heart’s Desires
God often speaks to us through the desires He places in our hearts. Pay attention to what brings you joy, fulfillment, and peace. Do you feel a pull towards serving others, teaching, or living a life of prayer and simplicity? These desires can often point towards your vocation.
Seek Guidance from Others
Talk to people who know you well, such as friends, family, or a spiritual director. Share your thoughts and feelings about where you feel called. They can offer insights, encouragement, and guidance as you navigate your discernment journey. Connecting with a community, such as a parish or monastery, can also provide valuable support.
Reflect on Your Talents and Gifts
Consider the unique talents, skills, and qualities that God has given you. How can these be used to serve Him and others? Your vocation is often aligned with the gifts God has placed within you, enabling you to fulfill a unique role in His plan.
Be Open to God’s Surprises
God’s call may come in unexpected ways or lead you in directions you hadn’t anticipated. Stay open to the possibilities and trust that God’s plan for you is good, even if it feels challenging or different from what you imagined.
Take Time for Discernment
Discernment is not something to rush. Take your time to explore different possibilities, pray deeply, and seek clarity. Consider going on a retreat, spending time in silence, or visiting a community that you feel drawn to, such as a Cistercian monastery.
Trust in God’s Timing
Finally, trust that God will reveal your vocation in His perfect time. Be patient, continue to seek His will, and be willing to take small steps forward. Sometimes, clarity comes gradually, and sometimes it comes suddenly—but it always comes in God’s timing.
Final Thoughts
A vocation is a beautiful and personal calling from God, inviting you to live out your life in a way that reflects His love and purpose in order to become the person he already sees in you. Whether you are called to married life, single life, consecrated life, or Cistercian monasticism, your vocation is a unique gift that allows you to glorify God and serve others.
Take heart in knowing that God is with you on this journey. He desires to guide you to your true vocation—a life where you find deep joy, peace, and fulfillment in serving Him and others. Open your heart, listen to His call, and trust that He will lead you exactly where you are meant to be.
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