Finding Our Vocations
Although we are each called to either the priesthood or married, religious, or single life, God is calling us each to know, love and serve him, and to grow in holiness. We each have different paths to holiness – different vocations that the Lord knows will provide us with the opportunities we need to love, serve, and know him. The common task we share is finding our vocations as we journey toward heaven!
St. Therese of Lisieux, called to religious life, was excited when she summed up her vocation, which I believe is one we can all strive for: “My vocation is love!” St. Therese took each opportunity to know, love and serve God, which means she loved the Lord with her entire being at all times. Her parents, who were canonized on Oct. 18, 2015, also grew in holiness, although in a very different way. They were canonized together because it was through their vocation of marriage that they fulfilled God’s plan for them. They knew, loved and served God through loving each other and their children, keeping Christ at the center of their family and by excelling in their professions. I recently read more about Louis and Zelie Martin, and found their story inspiring. I'm happy to add them to my role models as I prepare for my fast-approaching wedding on July 15. Louis and Zelie were married two days and 159 years before Charles and me (July 13, 1858), after both had remained open to God’s will and had considered the priesthood and religious life.
Four of their nine children died while still young, and Louis and Zelie kept busy working and raising their children. This did not stop them from keeping the Lord before all things. They went to Mass during the week, taught their children about God and prayed as a family. I strongly believe that praying as husband and wife and as a family should not be underestimated.
Louis and Zelie loved God, and they loved each other. In our marriage prep meetings, our wonderful priest shared many insights we take to heart. One’s spouse becomes the main voice of God other than one’s own prayer. Prayer, forming a close relationship with the Lord, helps us better communicate with our spouse and others. Prayer and relationships, and our vocations, stem out of love, God’s love for us and his desire that we love with our lives.
“My vocation is love.” Whether we are called to the priesthood or married, religious, or single life, we are called to love, and called to holiness. We must listen, and trust—definitely difficult tasks for me, but thankfully not impossible for my creator. I believe the same is true for us all.
