There are some people who know they have a vocation to the consecrated life from an early age. However for others, as adults, realizing they are being called to serve may begin with asking a fundamental question: “what is the meaning of life?” Does life have a purpose? Or, is it just about satisfying one appetite after another?
Most people instinctively sense that life has a purpose. But by rejecting traditional wisdom and values, they may despair of ever finding the answer.
Still, there is a universal desire for happiness. Many will experience brief moments of contentment. But sadly, few seem to find the consistent, long-lasting, even eternal happiness that is an effect of consistent, long-lasting, eternal love – an active love of God and neighbor.
Yes, happiness can be found in all vocations, especially married family life in which spouses and parents must make sacrifices for the sake of each other and their children. Consecrated life, too, requires self-sacrifice as opposed to self-seeking.
“The secret of lasting happiness is to forget selfish inclinations and enter into the universe that revolves around the Son. Jesus, the Son.”
For consecrated brothers, who are not responsible for administering the sacraments, there may be opportunities to serve in a variety of ways. Religious communities will try to use them according to their aptitudes and training, but it is best not to have an agenda or be intent on doing one’s own will. It’s okay to have goals, but one needs to be part of the community’s apostolate, rather than an independent operator; part of a team, instead of seeking recognition for personal achievements.
Fraternal life in community is not so much a question of “me” and what am I getting out of this. That is more the attitude of a child, whose world revolves around themselves. No, the secret of lasting happiness is to forget selfish inclinations and enter into the universe that revolves around the Son. Jesus, the Son.
Consecrated life, for those called to it, is especially oriented toward union with God (Canon 663), by doing His Will and not our own, with fewer distractions and temptations, and through the observance of the evangelical counsels – poverty, chastity and obedience.
Yet, it is not so much about “doing something” as it is about “being something.”
In the world, one is often defined by what they do. Even last names can reflect one’s profession: Cook, Barber, Gardener, Hunter, Weaver. However, in the consecrated life, it is the other way around – what one is defines what one does, and perhaps more importantly, why one does it. Brother; Sister; Mother; Father. Family was really God’s invention. And the vocation to the consecrated life is a more intimate participation in the family of God, the good Father, Mary, the good mother, and Jesus, Son and Brother. (John 8:35; Galatians 4:7; 1 John 3:1-3)
So, the purpose of life and the way to find true and lasting happiness is really the same. It is to “know, love and serve God in this world, so as to be happy with Him forever in the next.” And the consecrated life is specifically oriented to achieving that end.
Right on…
I enjoyed reading your essay on the very universal theme of the meaning and purpose of life. It looks to me that you are well guided into the right path to the purpose of our life here on earth—-to be closer to Jesus, and Mary , so that one day we can be closer with God. My only wish and hope is that prayers are needed for all people who have not found the right path to get closer to God. You and most religiously consecrated brothers, sisters, and priests are in a very advantageous position to pray for others——-you live it 24/7! I, on the other hand, have a husband , family, and grandkids. I am a retired teacher, and last school year was offered a job at a small high school for very disadvantaged teen agers. All these students (less than 100 total in the whole school) are continuously seeking to satisfy their earthly appetites. I totally believe that it was God who had the purpose in my life so that I would accept to take this challenging job. I did ask God at adoration to guide me in my path to accept this job or not. Next week I am starting my second year. All these teens need lots of prayers, and I hope I can bring them a little positivity about The goodness of this world and the real path to holiness, real lasting happiness, and hopefully to God and the real meaning and purpose of life.
I pray for these kids as much as I can, I hope you can add them to your prayers also. That’s our purpose in life!
Could I get a written transcript of Fr. Menezes’ homily on Sunday, 9?09/2018? So rich and gives wonderful perspectives. Thank you for your consideration.
I am disabled and retired and have fibromyalgia, deteriorating joints, and am in much pain. Rarely able to go to mass and depend on my priest for confession and communion.
Great read.Thanks a lot.
The challenge i have found is sometimes the trials that come our way in our various vocations can be so hard,recurrent and persistent that we doubt the callings….you get to think may be i am in the wrong place!
Is there age limit to become a brother
Yes, our community has an age limit 21-35 to enter. Other communities may have different age limits.
This is wonderful! It’s my wish to serve God in this way of life because I feel this is where I am call to serve.