In a world filled with uncertainty and shifting moral values, the concept of vocation puts light on man’s path, directing one through the completion of not only personal aspirations, but most importantly, the divine plan that God has for humanity. From a very young age, I have had this call deep within me, which I strongly feel is not only personal, but also divinely ordained: to nurture, to love, and to foster deep meaningful connections with others. That calling, which resonates deeply with God’s vision for humanity, finds profound expression in the vocation of marriage.
To me, vocation is not just about the choice of career or the personal milestones achieved; it is an invitation into aligning life with God’s overarching vision. It is through this alignment that we can enter actively into the making of God’s dream for the world and shape our lives with purpose and deeper meaning. Growing up in a very religious Catholic family, I always knew internally that each of us was called to a particular vocation from God. While it may not at all times be so clear, there really is, nonetheless, the gentle nudging to head toward life in service, love, and justice. Reflecting upon my life and aspirations, I do know where to place my vocation-under the holy bond of matrimony.
Through this union, I see my life as an expression of God’s love-first in the family, then expanding into society. Marriage, as the Scriptures define, is more than a social contract; marriage is a holy covenant, mirroring something deepChrist’s relationship with His Church. It is a vocation founded on love, sacrifice, and mutual respect-a living witness to the world of God’s abiding love for humanity, as instituted through Ephesians 5:25-27. In marriage as a vocation for me, I am dedicating myself to a lifelong path based on such premises, but with the outlook of forming a family that reflects God’s love and contributes to the establishment of a more just and merciful society.
As John Paul II reiterated in 1981, this commitment involves more than the mere reciting of vows, but a commitment to upholding the virtues that will bear fruits such as patience, humility and unselfishness. These are not only imperative for a successful marriage, but for the fulfillment of one’s role in God’s greater plan as well. Marriage is, indeed a vocation with great responsibilities and one that I have chosen with thoughtful deliberation. I want to belong to a family that will have love and faith as its roots, where one raises up children with values and shows the beauty of God’s plan for family life.
Whosoever has received the vocation of marriage cannot deny the challenges it presents, especially in our modern world, which seems to change every now and then, with pressures and changing values outside the home constantly testing the strength of the institution of marriage. Nevertheless, I firmly believe that the vocation of marriage is more relevant than ever. To the degree that I can live my vocation with integrity and faith, I am assured that I will become a witness to the transformative power of God’s love.
My marriage will hence not only be a source of personal fulfillment but also one of contribution toward God’s larger dream for humanity-a world where love, justice, and peace prevail. The teachings of the Church, the wisdom of spiritual leaders, have been fundamental in deepening the understanding of this vocation. Pope Francis, while speaking on the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, said: “Every vocation is a call to participate in making God’s dream come true. This statement touches my heart and strengthens my conviction that my vocation is not just about my happiness; it is about participating in God’s plan for the world. I also look to the saints who have taken marriage as their road to sainthood. One such couple was Saint Louis and Zélie Martin, parents of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, who lived a life of sanctity in marriage.
They lived a life noticeably anchored in deep love and sacrifice, coupled with trust in God. The rearing of their children was one imbued with worthy morals and faith that continue to be an active force for inspiration within the Church even today. This serves for me an increasing yearning to pursue a comparable piety and loyalty as shall be called for in my own marriage, too (Louis & Martin, 2003). As I enter vocational journey, I am very much aware of the responsibilities it carries. I see marriage as a powerful way of evangelising and a means through which God’s love, grace, and mercy can be shown to all those around them.
In building a loving, faith-filled family, I would like to strive toward the world where the presence of God can be felt, His love can be felt, and His dream about humankind has come into reality. The understanding of marriage as a vocation needs to be deepened by responsibly bearing the burden of challenges. Living such a life in today’s world, burdened as it is with trials that test the values of marriage through secular stresses and changed norms, means embracing a lifetime commitment to love, sacrifice, and mutual respect.
These are the roots of faith-based union that has to draw strength from certain virtues, including, but not limited to, patience, lowliness of spirit, and selflessness. Furthermore, the contemporary challenges to marriage are at the same time opportunities. I am to be a witness to the transformative power of God’s love, which deeply impacts individuals, families, and communities, by living this vocation with integrity and faith. My envisioned marriage is one in which personal fulfillment coincides with a higher calling: to contribute toward God’s dream of a world where love, justice, and peace prevail.
I believe it: In the world often replete with division, despair, and moral confusion, marriage can be a powerful platform from which to evangelise. I pray that my marriage serves as a lighthouse of light-a reflection of God’s love, grace, and mercy-to all those who come in contact with me. It is my intention to live my vocation in a world where God’s presence is realised, His love is shared, and His dream for humankind is accomplished through faith and integrity. I look toward the future, hopeful and excited. I do understand that the path I have chosen is not without its fair amount of ups and downs, but I equally trust that in God’s leading, I would be able to scale through any challenges coming my way.
I am committed to the building of a family that is hinged on love, faith, and service-a family that shall be a witness to the beauty of God’s design for marriage and family life. My call to marriage is the vocation that fills me with joy and a sense of responsibility. I firmly believe that through this vocation I can fulfil my role in making God’s dream real-that is, creating a family based on love, faith, and service-thereby contributing my part in bringing God’s presence and love among people. I move forward in life, trusting that God will guide me down the path He has set before me, knowing that His guidance will lead me to the end of the path that was His divine plan.
