discerning God's call versus your parent's call

Dear friends in Christ,

The next question I wish to look at is: "How do I discern God's Call from my parent's call?"

Family influence on your life can be very strong. For many cases, it is the family who may not exactly be supportive at first regarding a priestly vocation, precisely because they have so much happiness in married life, and they want you to be happy. But there are some parents who may excessively push their kids to consider religious life or the priesthood. So in the end, we must figure out God's call apart from what our parents want. The question is: how do we do that?

The answer is through prayer. By talking to God in prayer, you will soon figure out what He is calling you to do. Praying at Mass, and by praying outside of Mass, especially in front of the Eucharist, can lead you to figure out what exactly God may be calling you to do. One must clear his head from other people speaking when you are praying to God.

Now, at the same time, it is often our family and friends who see a priestly vocation in a boy long before the boy sees it himself. Your family may be encouraging you because they see it in you, and they are trying to point it out to you. Can they be excessive sometimes? Yes, but remember that they are your parents, and they honestly want what is best for you. In the end, listen to and respect your parents, and take what they say seriously, and pray about it. And be open to a possible call to the priesthood, and open yourself to God's generosity.

May you remain close to the Sacred Heart of Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary.