The fourth Sunday of Easter is Vocation Sunday or Good Shepherd Sunday, and it is dedicated as the World Day of Prayer. It is a day that is set aside by the Church to encourage people to reflect and discern God’s call to them. How would you determine your vocation? BETTY AMUKPO asks. Some children respond thus:
‘Understand yourself, your abilities’
The word “vocation” is simply the Latin word for “calling.” The process of discerning your vocation can be challenging. To help you discern what God is calling you to, you may find it helpful to chat with your Parish Priest, a Spiritual Director or a trusted friend. Spending time with those living out the vocation you feel you are called to, can also be useful.
Self-discovery for finding your vocation
Understand yourself, your abilities and your interest will make you a force to be reckoned with. You are far more likely to derive satisfaction from your career than it is aligned with your career and the best way for this to happen is to understand yourself.
How to find your vocation to God:
- Prayer
- Sacraments
- Good information
- The blessed Mother
- Go on retreat 6. Get advice.
Bible References:
Ephesians 4:1-3: “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation where with ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with long suffering, forbearing one another in love, endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
– Psalm 145:1-13
– Luke 10:1-11
– 1 Corinthians 7:17
• Ojimmadu Sandra
‘We need to seek God’s direction and guidance in determining one’s vocation’
A vocation is the career which a person wants to explore in life; it is something no one wants to get wrong or make a mistake in choosing. We need to seek God’s direction and guidance in determining one’s vocation, because He knows what is best for us all. So, it’s important to try to determine what you like in order for you to use your passion to thrive in your vocation and don’t forget. Psalm 55:22 states, “Cast your burdens on the Lord and He shall sustain you. In determining one’s vocation it is God who takes the initiative. Our role is to listen and respond, by being honest about one’s strength and weakness (1 Cor. 7:17).
• Jomiloju Olota
‘To figure out my vocation, I would think about what I’m really good at’
To figure out my vocation, I would think about what I’m really good at and what I love doing, because God gives us special talents for a reason. Then, I’d pray and ask God to help me see where He wants me to use those talents. The Bible says in Proverbs 3:6, “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” This means if I keep God in my plans, He’ll guide me to the right job.
• Blossom Akalezi
‘God leads the way and shows us the path’
God calls us to serve Him in this world through baptism and confirmation. Our vocation is personal, and it is truly the secret of Jesus’ heart that He wants to reveal to us. To determine our vocation, we can visit some communities that are living the religious life in a way that attracts you, because there are so many beautiful vocations to join. God leads the way and shows us the path. Pray to God and He will direct you on the right vocation.
• Anita Chima
‘I will think about what I like to do and how I can use those talents to help others’
To determine my vocation, I will think about what I like to do, and how I can use those talents to help others. I will pray to God and ask for guidance to find the path He wants me to take. As said in Proverbs 3:6, “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make straight your paths.” I will seek advice from my parents, teachers, or a faith leader. Remember, vocation is about serving and glorifying God.
• Arnold Akalezi
‘See what you are good at, nurture it, ask questions and seek God’s guidance’
One of the surest ways to discover God’s plan for one is to enter into silence and pray over an extended period. See what you are good at, nurture it, ask questions, seek help and ask for God’s guidance every step of the way. For a lasting vocation that would bring joy, fulfillment and happiness to one, we need God at the centre of all the due price in achieving it, making it come and staying with it for your good and those around you.
• Victoria Okefe
‘As children, we listen to our parents or guardians to select our vocation’
All that is involved in the word “vocation” is the Latin word “calling.” As children, we listen to our parents or guardians to select our vocation, much like Samuel did. Samuel 3:1–20 Being a disciple is our highest calling, and our baptism signifies this. Numerous individuals in the Bible are described as having been called by God: Virgin Mary, who was called to be the mother of Jesus; the disciples, including the fishermen, who were called to abandon their nets and follow Jesus; and many more judges and prophets like Samuel, Isaiah, and Jeremiah, who were called to convey God’s message to the people of Israel. They were all aware that God was requesting something of them, and they all went on to answering God’s call.
• Umennadi Francis Chibunna