Do I have to join the consecrated life when I don't want to? Please respond ASAP!

[SteveSolis]

Hi Everbody,

A couple days ago I was praying, and I asked Jesus to guide me into His plans.
And a picture of a monk, Franciscan, or Friar, or whatever they are called came to my mind.
I am 14 and I am not sure if I thought about it or he sent down that picture to my mind. That has gotten me very depressed lately, and I have been mad and depressed about Jesus wanting me to become one. I don’t like the idea. Are people who join that life called by Jesus or they want to be it. My mom told me not to worry about it, she told me I probably just thought of it, because that is not my desire, and it has me very depressed, so could it be my vocation.

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

Friend, it is just the opposite. One becomes a friar or a monk precisely because he feels attracted to such life and wants to join. I have such a vocation for most of my life and love it. But I was attracted to it very early on and the desire never left me. Some feel the attraction later on—and some never do. It’s God who does the calling and the first sign of the call is the desire, which you obviously do not have. So cheer up; God seems to have other plans for you.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.