Oblates of Christ Priest - about vocation

“and if, in the depths of your hearts, you feel the same call to the priesthood or consecrated life, do not be afraid to follow Christ on the royal road of the Cross”
Juan Pablo II - WYD 2002, Toronto-

It is not unusual to be afraid once we have heard the call from God. You are afraid of leave everything aside; you do not understand why He has chosen you; you do not know whether you will be able to do it. You wonder whether this type of life will make you happy, if it will be productive to you, to others, to the world. This may not be part of your plans, you may have your “own life” that you do not want to leave. You may wish to be a mother or a father and have a family.

But consider that:

· “What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?” (Mc 8, 36)

· God has chosen you because He loves you, because that is His plan for you.

· You should not think of your limitations because He will give you the strength to overcome any difficulty you may have. Ask always for it and when the difficult times arrive, ask for the strength and the perseverance.

· God has conceived you to the consecrated life so your happiness is there. He loves you and always wants all the best for you.

· Do not think what you live but what you will receive. The recompense will be higher than your sacrifice.

· The sense of consecrated life is the exclusive dedication to love God and all the persons. You will fully be in the service of the others; God will use you to love all of us to the infinite; many souls will depend on you.

· The vocation to consecrated life does not imply to renounce to maternity or paternity but it is the mean to achieve the zenith of maternity and paternity; you will not have natural daughters and sons but your spiritual maternity and paternity will be extensive to each and every person in the world.

If you are in contact with consecrated persons you will see and recognise the real happiness from leaving everything aside and following Christ. They can also guide and help you to rise above your fears.

Do remember that anything is impossible for Him

God calls me but I am afraid to follow Him