May Call Waiting Ka Ba Mga Kwento ng Bokasyon

Summary

The transcript follows the personal journeys of various individuals as they explore their religious vocations. It highlights their inner struggles, doubts, and the gradual clarity they find in answering God's call. Despite initial uncertainties, the subjects express peace and fulfillment in their chosen paths. Through diverse stories of priests, seminarians, and brothers, it reflects on faith, sacrifice, service, and the deep relationship with God that guides their lives. The narrative emphasizes that the vocation is a response to God’s invitation, and each individual’s path is shaped by personal commitment, challenges, and spiritual growth.

Takeaways

• 😀 The path to religious life can begin unexpectedly, with simple invitations or moments of reflection that lead individuals to discern their calling.
• 😀 Personal doubts and fears are common when responding to God's call, especially concerning the unknown and the changes it may bring to one's life.
• 😀 Deep, personal relationships with God are foundational to religious life, offering peace and clarity even in times of uncertainty.
• 😀 There is a constant search for meaning and purpose in life, with many individuals finding their calling through experiences that gradually become clearer over time.
• 😀 God’s call to religious life is often not a one-time decision but an ongoing, evolving process that requires trust and faith in His plan.
• 😀 Even though the beginning of one's religious journey may not be driven by pure intentions, personal growth and transformation over time bring a deeper understanding of the call.
• 😀 Responding to God's call often involves sacrifices, including giving up certain comforts and facing personal challenges, but this leads to a greater sense of fulfillment and joy.
• 😀 God’s will for each person unfolds differently, and while some recognize their calling immediately, others take time to discern and understand their true vocation.
• 😀 Being a priest or brother is not just about offering spiritual guidance but also about participating in the everyday lives of the people they serve, offering companionship and support.
• 😀 The joy of serving God, though not always comfortable, is a deep, inner joy that is rooted in meaning and purpose, rather than external circumstances.

Q & A

What was Father Jet's initial motivation to go to Mass and become involved in the church?

Father Jet's initial motivation was simple; he was invited by a friend to go to Mass, and it started with him reading during the service. Over time, he became more involved, even taking on roles like being the guitarist, but his relationship with the church deepened gradually.

How did Father Jet's fear and uncertainty play a role in his decision to join the seminary?

Father Jet was initially scared and uncertain about joining the seminary. He had fears of making the wrong decision and doubted whether he could live a fulfilled life without a family. Despite these concerns, he felt a deep peace in his heart, which led him to move forward with his decision.

What does Father Jet say about the deep relationship with the Lord he has found through priesthood?

Father Jet describes his relationship with the Lord as one of deep peace and clarity, something he has not experienced in other aspects of life. Despite the challenges and occasional doubts, he continues to find peace and confirmation that his decision to become a priest was the right one.

How does Father Mon Bautista describe the process of discerning God's will?

Father Mon Bautista compares discerning God's will to being a jeweler who carefully examines the authenticity of diamonds. He emphasizes the importance of looking for signs of consolation, such as happiness and learning, even through hardship. He encourages listening to God's call, even when it requires sacrifice.

What role did Sister Marjo's fears play in her decision to commit to religious life?

Sister Marjo initially struggled with fear and hesitation, as she didn't want to make a life-altering mistake. However, after spending time in prayer and making a pact with God, she found peace and clarity, which led her to wholeheartedly commit to religious life, despite occasional distractions along the way.

Why did Brother Armin choose to join the La Salle Brothers, and what attracted him to the vocation?

Brother Armin joined the La Salle Brothers because he wanted to be a positive role model for younger students, offering them the support and guidance he felt he lacked as a child. His decision was driven by a deep desire to serve and listen to the youth, and he found fulfillment in teaching and being a brother to his students.

How does Father Elmer describe the daily challenges of being a priest?

Father Elmer faces numerous challenges as a priest, such as the long travel to his chapels and the physical toll of walking long distances. Despite these hardships, he finds joy in his role, focusing on spiritual guidance and building relationships with his parishioners.

What does Father Elmer mean when he says he has 'fallen in love with the Lord'?

Father Elmer suggests that once a person fully commits to serving the Lord, there is no turning back. His deep love for God keeps him going, even through the difficult and lonely times. The emotional and spiritual connection to the Lord is what sustains him in his priestly duties.

What does Father Jet mean by the 'clarity' he experiences in his priesthood?

Father Jet refers to the sense of clarity as the deep sense of peace he feels when he continues to serve God. This clarity has helped him stay firm in his faith, even though he has never received clear-cut signs like others. It is a personal, deep relationship with God that provides constant reassurance.

What is the significance of the line from the Gospel of John, 'I chose you, you did not choose me' in the context of this transcript?

The line from the Gospel of John highlights the idea that God's call to religious life is an invitation, not something that one chooses on their own. The religious figures in the transcript, like Father Mon Bautista and Brother Armin, reflect on how they were drawn to their vocations by God's initiative, not by their own desires.