The Scientific Way To Discern Your Vocation
You have a calling from God. A unique mission that only you can fulfill. Are you called to fulfill that mission as a married man, a consecrated religious or single, or as a priest? Discovering the answer to this question can feel elusive at best. But now you can use the 6-step Scientific Method to answer the deepest question of your heart—What is God’s purpose and direction for my life?
- Question Do you already have your life mapped out? Maybe you struggle to decipher what is from God or from external pressure and fear. God’s plan will never include anything that goes against the Word of God. Whatever the circumstance, ask yourself the question, "Does this path go against the Word of God?"
- Research As you consider a potential path, it's time to look at how it will affect your life. Will the expectations and responsibilities of this path lead you closer to Christ? If you find yourself neglecting to make time to pray or unable to go to Mass, this may be a sign that you have strayed away from what God is asking of you.
- Hypothesize The fruit of the Spirit is found in Galatians 5:22-23, “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” If you’re able to find these fruits in your life even in the midst of trials and struggles while pursuing this path, then it is a sure sign you are fulfilling God’s will.
- Experiment This is the time to dive into the path you are considering. If you are contemplating a vocation to the priesthood, immerse yourself in aspects of this path. Speak with your Diocesan Vocation Director and attend a discernment retreat. Find time to ask your own priest questions to gain a better understanding of the priesthood. Should you desire marriage, go on dates with someone that you would consider seriously dating.
- Analyze Reflection is an essential step in the discernment process. You should take time to reflect on the previous actions, especially the experiment portion. Keep in mind that you have a unique set of skills that God has given only to you to use to bring Him glory. While your potential path may be in line with the Word of God, are you suppressing or underutilizing these God-given gifts and talents? Affirmation by friends, family, and spiritual mentors in your life is a useful part of the analyzation step. If you lack the influence of godly people in your life, consider meeting with a spiritual director or attending a retreat to help you discern your decisions.
- Conclude Did your discernment prove or disprove your hypothesis—your educated guess about where you think God is calling you? You may be surprised to find that your theory is only partially proven or disproven. For example, your retreat at a Benedictine Abbey may have made it clear to you that you are called to the religious life…just not with the Benedictines. If this is the case, merely revisit and revise your hypothesis then begin the process of experimenting and analyzing again.
As men of God, the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement passionately live our mission to achieve At-One-Ment–the reconciliation of humankind with one another, with creation, and with God, that Christ began through his life and ministry.
If you feel God is calling you to serve His cause of peace and reconciliation more directly, then join the Friars in February for our Come & Discern Vocation Retreat. Our retreat is designed specifically for single Catholic men, age 18-40, discerning a religious vocation.
©2018 Franciscan Friars of Atonement