What's My Vocation?

Summary

Father Mike Schmitz discusses the concept of vocation, emphasizing that everyone is called to holiness, regardless of their faith. He outlines three senses of vocation: the universal call to be a saint, specific life choices like marriage or religious life, and daily tasks that change over time. He highlights the importance of relationships in fulfilling one's vocation, using a personal story to illustrate how love and service define true calling. Ultimately, he encourages viewers to discern their primary relationships and current tasks, underscoring that God has a purpose for each individual.

Takeaways

• 😀 Everyone is called to holiness, which is the universal vocation for all people, regardless of their beliefs.
• 😀 Vocation means 'call,' and it encompasses more than just the specific paths like marriage or religious life.
• 😀 The first sense of vocation is the unchanging call to become a saint.
• 😀 The second sense of vocation involves specific life paths, such as marriage, single life, or religious life.
• 😀 The third sense of vocation refers to immediate tasks or missions that can change over time.
• 😀 Discernment of vocation should focus on relationships rather than just tasks or activities.
• 😀 A primary relationship is crucial for personal growth and becoming the person God intends you to be.
• 😀 Life circumstances can drastically change one's tasks, but the primary relationship remains essential.
• 😀 It's important to focus on the person in your vocation rather than just the activities you enjoy.
• 😀 Each person has a unique purpose, and engaging in daily tasks is part of discerning God's call.

Q & A

What does Father Mike Schmitz identify as the primary vocation of all people?

Father Mike Schmitz states that the primary vocation for everyone is the universal call to holiness, which means every person is called to be a saint.

How does Father Schmitz define the term 'vocation'?

Vocation means 'call.' Father Schmitz emphasizes that it refers not only to specific roles like priesthood or marriage but also to the broader calling to live a holy life.

What are the three senses of vocation described in the transcript?

The three senses of vocation are: 1) the universal call to holiness, 2) specific life choices like marriage, single life, or priesthood, and 3) immediate tasks or missions that change throughout life.

Why does Father Schmitz say the immediate mission always changes?

He explains that the immediate mission changes based on life circumstances, such as entering marriage or becoming a parent, which shifts the tasks and responsibilities one faces.

What example does Father Schmitz give to illustrate the importance of the primary relationship in a vocation?

He shares the story of a couple who were athletic and got married, but after a car accident left one spouse paralyzed, they focused on their relationship rather than shared activities.

What does Father Schmitz suggest is often mistaken for the primary call?

He notes that many people focus on discerning their secondary vocation (like marriage or priesthood) without recognizing that the primary relationship is what truly helps them become who they are meant to be.

What practical advice does Father Schmitz offer for discerning one's immediate mission?

He advises that even without knowing one's vocation, individuals should focus on the tasks at hand and engage in loving the people around them as a form of living out their vocation.

How does Father Schmitz describe the relationship between service and vocation?

He emphasizes that true vocation involves a selfless service to others, highlighting how both partners in a relationship can grow in holiness by serving one another.

What role does Father Schmitz believe love plays in fulfilling one's vocation?

Love is fundamental; he believes that through loving relationships and self-sacrifice, individuals can grow into the saints they are meant to be.

What is the overall message Father Schmitz wants to convey regarding vocation?

Father Schmitz wants to convey that everyone has a divine purpose and is called to be a saint, and that understanding and engaging in primary relationships is key to fulfilling this call.