We have each of us our vocation in life. Unfortunately the word "vocation" has become restricted to that particular form of life which includes only religious or priestly life; and, in consequence, the idea is not seldom to be found even among pious people that those only have a calling from God whom He has summoned to stand away from the cares and joys of normal existence all others are "in the world." This little phrase again suggests the same unjust belittling of the vocation of the layfolk, so that these are led not to realize the high importance of every profession of man or woman. After all, the majority must marry and be given in marriage, must stay and help on the machinery of existence whereby the whole world goes round. It cannot be, then, only a minority whom alone God calls. Each of us has been placed here to do a certain work; each has his separate vocation, just as each, according to the Scriptural expression, has been called by a separate name. In the Old Testament this notion of a name whereby God knew us from all eternity, is evidently only a way of expressing the particular office to which each of us is summoned in the economy of God. How is it possible for me to know what my vocation is? There are certain obvious clues: my capacity for some particular form of life (whatever it may be that suggests itself), my desire for it, the possibility for me to attempt it. All these are necessary; but perhaps my desire for the life is what most convinces me and least convinces others. We cannot explain, but are deeply conscious of, the appeal.
I have, therefore, to make up my mind as regards my vocation. I must ask advice of my confessor, my parents or guardians, those that best know me. I have to consult my own inclinations, opportunities, prospects. Then I have to pray for light; and, finally, make up my own mind as to what profession in life it is to which God calls me. But supposing I find out later that I ought to have been something else? That supposition is impossible if I have honestly made up my mind. Is it not possible for me to frustrate my vocation, to remain in the world when I should have entered the cloister? No, certainly not; so long as I did honestly try to make up my own mind. My conscience has judged as best it could, and God can ask no more from me. However, therefore, I eventually make my decision, so long as it is my conviction that God bids me do this or that, I must unfailingly, as far as may be, carry it through. To stay and labour and marry requires, as much as does the priesthood, a separate and distinct call. Such a life is a holy and a sacred living. I must realize, therefore, that God has an interest in my life, and that should give a dignity to my whole view of my soul and its work here. What God has made, let no man call common or unclean. Whatever my line of life, I may be sure that to it I have received a Divine calling.
Consequently I must learn to be very patient with life. It is no use now longing for the peace of the cloister and wondering whether or not I was not called to that life. Every Catholic child feels, at one time in life, a desire for the religious state; but that fades with the many and continues in the few. But though all are not, cannot be, called to such a vocation, to each there is his own vocation. God, indeed, has no need of any of us. Preacher, priest, worker, rich and poor, old and young, may try to do their best; but all that they their whole life through achieve, He could have effected by the single act of His decree. He has no need of any of us. Yet He has allowed me the high privilege of partaking with Him in the continuance of the world's history. He has allowed me to become a partner, a member of His firm, a helper in His voluntary aid society. Perhaps I long to be this or that, feel powers within me that are clamorous for expression, yet find no opportunity to put them to their full advantage. I become miserable, discontented, perhaps bitter. Can I never learn that whither God calls, the road must lie open always? If I cannot do what I would like, then it is because what I like is not what He likes. There may be obstacles which I must endeavour to surmount, but do not let me become impatient of them. Perhaps to struggle only is my vocation, never to achieve. As a model husband, citizen, parishioner, nay! as a model Catholic, I have a vocation sacred and unique. I can imagine a higher vocation than I have, but, for myself, it is certain that there is not a holier one.
- text taken from Meditations for Layfolk by Father Bede Jarrett, O.P.