Religious Vocation: An Unnecessary Mystery by Rev. Fr. Richard Butler

Author:Rev. Fr. Richard Butler [Butler, Rev. Fr. Richard]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: TAN Books
Published: 2015-04-22T04:00:00+00:00

Natural Influences

A questionnaire asking religious what influenced their vocations would elicit replies as unusual as they would be varied. And perhaps nothing that we have mentioned up to this point would be included specifically in their answers. For the workings of the Holy Spirit within us are taken for granted, a remembered lesson in the catechism. At any rate, these workings cannot be very well described as a personal experience. Rather, recollections of vocational influences would be particular remembrance of incidents and circumstances which, in a broad sense, might be termed external graces.

Everything that happens is within God's providence and sometimes He uses the negative influences of the world, as well as positive inspirations (words of a sermon, a retreat conference), as occasions for conversion of life. Natural circumstances, occasions, environment, temperaments, talents, example, advice—all play a part in influencing the resolve to enter religious life. For, as St. Thomas says, "those whom God chooses for something, He prepares and disposes so that they will be found fit for that for which they are selected."69

The circumstances which influence the turning of mind and heart to the total service of God are familiar and personal experiences known to every religious. Each one's gratitude for that odd and peculiar incident was long ago expressed by St. Paul: "In every circumstance give thanks, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (I Thess. 5:18.) Most important of all personal influences will be that of the family, the environment of the Christian home. In almost every instance, as a matter of recorded investigation, the generous response to religious vocation comes from an individual favored by the ideal surroundings and compelling influence of an exemplary Catholic family. Pope Pius XI, in his encyclical on the priesthood, says: "To this ordinary rule of Divine Providence exceptions are rare and only serve to prove the rule." The good example also of teaching Sisters and Brothers, or other religious known to the aspirant, strongly influence his or her resolve to join their ranks.

Needless to say, the very living of a good Catholic life in itself often brings that series of graces which lead to total religious dedication. The advice of others also exerts a strong influence, either encouraging or impeding the response to the divine invitation. St. Thomas, so convinced of the advantages of religious life and so lacking in the cautious hesitancy of contemporary writers on the subject, devoted a separate article in his Summa Theologica to the praise of those who encourage others to enter the religious state.70

When asked whether one should seek much advice and spend a long time deliberating over entering religion, he answered in the negative. For, of itself, entering religion is a better good to perform and we deliberate only over questionable goods! As for the aspirant, he need not worry about his ability to fulfill the obligations of religious life because he will trust not in himself, but in divine help. Finally, St. Thomas says, one needs advice only

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