This is something I’ve actually thought about. I know that our vocation is meant to be the path by which we will seek to become holy- same for both married people and religious. But I guess I have just always had this deeply ingrained belief (which I’m trying to overcome) that religious life is only for people who are already super-holy. I’m guessing I’m not the only one, because I keep imagining the looks on people’s faces when I tell them that I think God is calling me to be a sister or a nun- and the looks of utter shock. I guess a lot of people around me see religious life as a destination rather than as a path, and their attitudes have rubbed off on me. But I’m hoping to be able to change that.
Here’s a quote I once saw on a Dominican website that seems relevant:
"He is not calling you because you deserve to be called or because you want to be called, but because he sees what you can become if you give yourself to him completely and entirely. All the great prophets made excuses as to why they were not worthy. And God’s angel, sent to call, accepted the truth of their statements. But he still persisted in calling!
So true…
I want to trust God completely, but I know deep down that I don’t. I’m still terrified, even when I think that yes, he does want only what’s best for me, and he knows better than anyone what that is. I think (and hope) it will just take time… though I’m guessing it will always be a struggle.
