Answer the Call

These are exciting times for the Marianist Province of Meribah. Our schools are thriving, there are so many active parents and alumni supporting our mission, and we have three new Marianists in formation – we are indeed very blessed.

I was speaking with one of our students yesterday who used an interesting phrase, “I can now accept that I might have a vocation.” It is indeed something we have to come to terms with over time, and it’s not easy! This week the first readings at daily Mass share the story of Jonah that we studied freshman year. Remember him? He was called to spread God’s message but instead got on a boat and headed in the opposite direction. No way God, not me! Ultimately, though, God’s will be done. We can’t hide from God (think about the absurdity and comedy of Adam and Eve trying to do so in the Garden of Eden…) and the more we try to ignore his plan for us, the less settled our hearts will be and we will find our lives less fulfilling, less complete. Jonah brought about a great conversion in Nineveh, he literally changed the world and we can do the same if God chooses us as his instruments and we accept.

“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” – St. Augustine

In the Gospel story of Martha and Mary we are told that Martha was anxious and worried about many things…I think anyone discerning a religious vocation can probably relate! Our challenge, and it is a great challenge, is to find solace with Jesus and, like Mary, know that everything will work out in God’s own time, as tough as relinquishing that trust might be some days! I encourage you to pray with the Bible, through it I am sure you can relate to many of our forefathers in faith. Likewise, the lives of the saints offer further stories of people, like us, who have struggled with a vocation in their own lives – and prevailed!