Called and Chosen

"There is only one vocation, it's vocation to Love."
(Father Anthony Kenny Tan)

For many are called but few are chosen.
(Matthew 22:14)
This book reveals 17 vocation stories of our beloved Priests.
My friend passed me this book 2 years ago, which at that time, I did not have time to read it.

"The priestly vocation is a gift from God."
(Pope John Paul II)

After reading their stories... I am able to understand more about vocation.
Each of the priest is special, and they were called in special way, because God knows them best.

There is also ups and downs, struggles, failures and even decision to leave the priesthood in the early stage. But as they grow in faith and faith is what keeps them going... they are still here, as priests, to serve the people.

The Calling.

You may wonder, "How does it feel to be called?"
"How do you know you are called?"

Well, I'd like to suggest you to go and see a priest, or religious Sister (if you are a woman) to seek for Spiritual Guidance if you are discerning about these questions because it's not easy to be convinced that you are called.

Most of the time, one who is called would felt something and felt the need to share the strange (yet peaceful) feeling with someone who one thinks might understood and able to give some guidance. Therefore, seek help from a religious Sister or Brother or Priest might be helpful since they have been through it before.

I like the sharing from Father Joachim Chang,

"Marriage is also a vocation, but how many of us would spend eight days in the retreat centre to discern and ensure that we are called to be married and ensure the person we are planning to marry is the right one?
But when it comes to the priesthood, we must make 10 retreats, check with everyone and must make sure we do not make a mistake. There is a double standard here."

"Even if God were calling a person to the priesthood and if that person decided to get married instead, God would still bless his marriage. However, he may not be as happy as he would have been if he had accepted the calling to become a priest."

May God bless our Priests, religious Brothers and Sisters :)

*Picture is borrowed from here
You can also visit Serra Club's website here.