How crazy are you, really?

Questions to ask while considering a religious vocation

by Sister Verónica Méndez, R.C.D.

Considering a priestly or religious vocation may seem crazy, especially today. However, it is good to remember that this has been so from the beginning of time. I am sure people thought St. Anthony was crazy when he took off into the desert and began the way of life of a monk and hermit.

The family of St. Francis of Assisi as well as probably many of his friends were sure he was certifiably insane when he so radically changed his life and began the Franciscan tradition of religious life. When we read the stories of the many female founders of religious communities we find that their contemporaries found their behavior most puzzling. Thinking that God calls us to walk with God in this style of life does not necessarily bring us much applause from either family or friends.

What, then, if I think I may have a religious vocation? If I can answer the following questions in the positive, then perhaps this is something I should seriously consider:

Do I have a relationship with God? That is, do I pray? Do I enjoy prayer? Is prayer a nourishment for my being—something I cannot do without?

Am I generous? Do I find that helping others is something that gives me life? Do the sufferings of so many in the world disturb me? Do I want to help change this world for the better?
How well do I get along with others? Am I accepting of opinions, lifestyles, ways different from mine?

Do I have a good sense of humor? Can I laugh at myself? (Humor is a must for perseverance in any vocation.)

Is Jesus the most important person in my life? If he does not yet occupy that position, am I willing to let his grace to work in me so some day I can say with St. Paul, “All I want is to know Jesus Christ and the power that comes from his Resurrection”?

Finally, but very importantly, how much do I love the Catholic Church? In the last week of St. Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises, time is spent meditating about the church. While it is very important to understand the human frailties of our church, it is equally important to believe it is truly the Holy Spirit who guides it and that Jesus is true to his promise, “I am with you always.” Can I see myself as an agent of the church? Do I have any desire to nourish and to help strengthen and grow this church?

While it is true that the qualities above belong to any good Christian Catholic, it is also true that without those qualities one should not be thinking about the religious life. So, the question that is left to ask is: Is this what God asks of me?

God calls all of his people to prayer, generosity, humor, faithfulness to the church, and to come to know Jesus as much as possible. Some of us, however, are called to do this within the structures of religious life.

So how do I know if this is for me? One more question: Do I find myself drawn to this way of life? Our God is a very good God. God calls us to what God knows is already in our hearts. God knows what is in our hearts long before we do, so trust your heart. Go where it is leading you!