VOCATIONS

Christ’s relationship with us and creation ignites our response

By Roma De Robertis, SCIC

An earlier version of this vocation reflection first appeared in the May 22, 2009 issue of The New Freeman newspaper of the Diocese of Saint John, N.B.

Jesus lovingly drew me long before I responded. Attracted to and afraid of his call to deeper commitment, I struggled to listen and follow.

Catholic journalism in Edmonton and Saskatoon led me to a more mature faith. Young adults drew me more fully to the God of life in campus ministry first in Saskatoon and now in Saint John, N.B.

In the West, many good people from diverse backgrounds accompanied me. I was shaped by Catholic, ecumenical and interfaith leaders and by many whose faith led them to advocate for social change. I was also influenced by others of goodwill committed to humanity and the rest of creation.

After a period of inquiry or pre-novitiate, I entered the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception more than 25 years ago. I was drawn to their spirit of prayer, simplicity, adaptability and service. I was especially attracted to their focus on persons who are suffering, excluded and living in poverty.

Religious life is one of many expressions of baptismal commitment. In baptism — unique and beloved — we plunge into the life, death and resurrection of Jesus within the church for the world. Throughout life, our belonging is to God and one another.

We all want youth and young adults to “succeed” in school, in relationships and society. When they’re confirmed, we also support their hope or ambition for the higher gifts of God’s Spirit. Life experience and research teach us that many young people prefer wise guidance and faithful accompaniment to “answers” from adults.

Often, they generously seek service and justice commitments highlighting the environment and those most in need. The focus might be local, regional and/or global. Such efforts or projects are best rooted in faithful, communal reflection and action.

In a mature faith context, how can we encourage young peoples’ desire to discover their gifts and talents and make a difference? How might we deepen our own longing?

Resources on Christian life and vocation abound. In this issue dedicated to vocations, I highlight a few which might inform and inspire. To young adults and the young at heart, I recommend The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical by Shane Claiborne (Zondervan, 2006).

A co-founder of the Potter Street (formerly Simple Way) community in Philadelphia, Pa., Claiborne expresses the passionate nature of wholehearted Christian living in this highly readable book.

Central to his understanding of vocation is the need for deep connection with persons living in poverty. In India he worked alongside Mother Teresa, whom he names as a key influence.

Clearly if indirectly, Claiborne demonstrates the intimate relationship between “vocation” and “advocacy.” Both come from the same Latin root word for “call.” He shows how advocacy involves boldly respectful truth-telling and non-violent action with, and on behalf of those excluded by society.

For those approaching or enjoying mid-life, I suggest Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation by Quaker author and educator Parker Palmer (Jossey-Bass, 2000). Palmer wisely recognizes vocation as gift, not goal. Candidly recounting peaks and valleys in his own life, he focuses on authenticity arising from honest awareness about one’s limitations and abilities.

Sometimes harsh images of God can stifle Christian life and vocation. An award-winning, deceptively simple book by Dennis and Matthew Linn and Sheila Fabricant Linn helps offer faithful freedom: Good Goats: Healing Our Image of God (Paulist Press, 1994).

A sometimes hidden jewel is the Pastoral Plan arising from the 2002 North American congress on consecrated life held in Montreal. Passion for Christ — Passion for Humanity was the theme of the congress in which I participated with two other members of my religious community — and 1,133 other delegates!

The plan is a practical, accessible guide for families, parishes and dioceses; chaplains and campus ministers; youth and young adults; religious and clergy, as well as educators, groups and communities. Published by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (2003), its full title is Conversion, Discernment, Mission: Fostering a Vocation Culture in North America.

What is meant by “vocation culture?” Christian life requires planting and watering in the midst of many messages and responsibilities calling for our attention. The document invites us all to contribute to this discussion and take action together.

Scripture is filled with dramatic stories of God’s call to individuals and peoples. Richly, it inspires our exploration of vocation and vocation culture.
Although sometimes unheralded, Catholic social teaching urges prophetic action, which honours human dignity, respect for creation and the common good. The Scarboro Missions website offers an accessible exploration at www.scarboromissions.ca (justice and peace; Catholic social teaching).

Lives of saints and mystics — in history and in our midst — can quicken our desire to participate fully in God’s reign. The life and teaching of Jesus invite and ignite our response.

Since we are all called and gifted for Christian life, service and prophetic action, our stories are rich vocational resources. Beating at the heart of vocation awareness is Christ’s relationship with us and all creation.

Based in Saint John, N.B., De Robertis, SCIC, is justice and peace co-ordinator for the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception and Associates. She also serves on the campus ministry team at the University of New Brunswick Saint John. She was a member of the campus ministry team at St. Thomas More College, University of Saskatchewan, and was Saskatoon diocesan editor for the Prairie Messenger.