“It’s not up to you to choose whether or not you have a vocation. It’s God who chooses!” – Pope Francis
The Pope said this to 6,000 Asian youth during his visit to Korea.
Here are some of my own thoughts on the topic:
– A vocation is not a career one chooses. It is a call from God. I heard this call when I was seven. However, for each it is unique, concrete, intimate, and breathtaking.
– One responds in the measure of one’s faith. The gold standard is Abraham who left everything to follow God.
– The parents’ faith is also tested. Do I hold on to my child excessively or do I realize my child ultimately belongs to God and I am a steward?
– I cannot tell you how happy I am being a priest. Even statistically, the priesthood is the “happiest” profession.
– A friend told my mother after I had left home for the seminary: pity! Simon could have been a doctor! Well, as a priest I am a doctor! A doctor souls! In addition, the training was 13 years!
