i don't know what you guys think about this. But i have talked with many people about vocations, and i guess a big thing for them is that the only way they would do it is if the clouds opened up, and angels came forth with trumpets, and a booming thunderous voice would call out your name.

I don't know about you guys, b ut i don't see whay God would make such a big deal about calling me, neither would i want him to. Calling me is such a big deal.

And i know that many Saint's have answered the call without ever experiencing ecstasies or visions, or revelations. I don't know why my desire for complete giving, and suggestions from other really holy people weren't a good enough indication. Add to that my the grace to have lived in a chastely for a couple of years.

But no extravagant things. But then there were all these things that i felt God was affirming my decision after i made it. So i don't know, i think God shows more signs after decided then before.

SHALOM

I guess it's really just a lesson in trust and surrender. And the great thing is, with a religious vocation, there is no reason not to heed even the slightest call, because formation lasts so long you can leave if you realize it's not where God wants you to spend your life. And also, the time you do spend in formation will benefit you the rest of your life if you do decide to leave. So it seems like a win/win to me.

exactly!!

It's especially win/win because if you leave because you discern that it isn't the life for you, then you are liberated from that nagging "what if" feeling.


It is definitely about trust and surrender though. I found that when my heart was truly open the signs were so much clearer.

usually the sign that i tell people to wait for is that quiet desire and voice in your heart that tells you it is the right thing.

The sky doesn't open for very many people.

I was talking with a priest this evening about discernment. He told me his story - he was in seminary, then left, became a medical doctor. One day, he was treating a patient, and the patient apparently just turned around and looked at him and said, "You know you still have a vocation to the priesthood, don't you?"

Isn't that awesome?!

I almost wish something that magnificent would happen to me, but it's important to have the faith and courage to step towards God (or more accurate would be to say "let God guide your steps towards Him) without a booming voice in the sky.

My sign was just normal. Last year I apparently let God work in me, and I felt the Holy Spirit fill me, and I head God speak to me while I was sleeping. Then I went to a church service and consulted this with (my) the pastor, and he was like "Yep...thats definitely a calling to conversion and religious life..." Here I am studying with the RCIA waiting for April or whenever for Easter Vigil of 2006 so my thirsting and hunger can leave so I will be baptized and confirmed to "finally" be able to recicve the Eucharist.

Then in the Summer of 2008 that God has made soooo clearly not just him but our Holy Father Saint Dominic as well...I will be entering the Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist. And God Willing who knows what will happen in that time!