What is my vocation? Marriage, priesthood, consecrated life, something else? What does God want me to do with my life? How would I know?
Fr. Nicholas Crowe’s, Living Your Vocation, addresses one of the most profound questions for Christians: discerning God’s vocation for their lives. He explores the common anxieties surrounding whether one is called to marriage, priesthood, consecrated life, or another path. Crowe emphasizes that regardless of one’s uncertainty, everyone can live a holy life pleasing to God. He frames vocational choices as acts of love offered to God, emphasizing the importance of the love with which these choices are made. Crowe teaches that true discipleship means living a life of self-sacrificial love in communion with others, mirroring Jesus’ life. He advises looking to God rather than oneself to understand one’s calling, reinforcing that our existence and purpose are rooted in God’s love. The book challenges readers to prioritize holiness and consider which life context best fosters their journey toward sainthood. Crowe also broadens the concept of vocation beyond religious roles, highlighting that any work done with love contributes to God’s providential care for the world. This insightful and accessible guide offers profound spiritual guidance, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to discern and live out their vocation.
“God has created this world so that we might have the joy of offering him a gift.
Our life is a gift of love from our heavenly Father:
our task is to offer him a gift of love in return as a sign of our gratitude.
This is the frame through which to view our vocational choices:
we are little children offering our heavenly Father a gift.
More important, then, than what we choose is the love with which our gift is offered.
Perhaps, objectively speaking, our life might seem unimpressive or even an ugly mess.
But if we offer up our life as a gift of love, then our gift will be welcomed with joy.
It is by loving that we fulfil our vocation” (p.6-7).
