Session 20 - Discerning One's Vocation in Life

Vocations

 For Orthodox Christians, the concept of vocation is rooted in the belief that each individual has a unique purpose in life that is part of God's will. The word "vocation" comes from the Latin word "vocare," which means "to call." In other words, a vocation is a call from God to live a particular life in service to Him and to others.

Vocation is not just about what one does, but also about who one is becoming. It is a way of life that involves using one's talents, gifts, and passions to fulfill God's plan for them. This may involve pursuing a particular career, ministry, or lifestyle that is centered on serving God and others.

In Orthodox Christianity, there are various vocations that an individual may be called to pursue, including priesthood, monasticism, marriage, and lay ministry. Each vocation offers unique opportunities for spiritual growth and the opportunity to serve God and His people in a meaningful way.

As an Orthodox Christian, there are various vocations that one may be called to pursue in life. These vocations are not necessarily exclusive, and an individual may be called to more than one vocation throughout their life. Here are some examples of vocations that an Orthodox Christian may be called to:

Priesthood: The priesthood is a vocation that involves serving God and His people as a spiritual leader. Priests are responsible for leading liturgical services, administering sacraments, and providing pastoral care to their parishioners. They are also responsible for teaching and preaching the Gospel, guiding their flock in matters of faith and morality, and leading by example in their own personal lives.

Monasticism: Monasticism is a vocation that involves dedicating one's life to God through a life of prayer, asceticism, and service. Monks and nuns live in communities that are focused on prayer, contemplation, and work. They renounce worldly pursuits and seek to draw closer to God through a life of simplicity and humility.

Marriage: Marriage is a vocation that involves entering into a lifelong covenant with another person and building a family. It is a vocation that is rooted in love, self-sacrifice, and mutual respect. The Orthodox Church recognizes marriage as a sort of martyrdom, where one commits their lives to their spouse and willingly chooses to endure any suffering for them.

Lay Ministry: Lay ministry is a vocation that involves serving God and His people in various ways outside ordained ministry. This may involve volunteering in the church, teaching Sunday school, providing hospitality, or using one's talents and skills to serve others in need. This vocation is vital to the functioning of the Church. Without parish council leaders, teachers, choir members and leaders, and all other roles lay people choose to take on, our churches could not run the way we need and expect them to.

While there are specific vocations such as priesthood or monasticism that involve a particular way of life and service, as Orthodox Christians, we are also called to live out our faith and fulfill our vocation in all aspects of our daily lives, including our jobs, families, and other areas of service. The early Church spread not just through preaching, but also through the immense witness (the word "martyr" even means "witness") early Christians showed to the world. When Christians display love, kindness, respect, truth, and boldness, those around are inspired and hearts are softened to the Lord. This is what we are called to be in all aspects of our life.

In the workplace, for example, we are called to approach our jobs with a spirit of service and excellence. This involves using our skills and talents to the best of our ability, working with integrity and honesty, and treating others with kindness and respect. As Orthodox Christians, we are called to see our work as a means of serving God and others, rather than simply a means of making a living. We should strive to do our best in all of our work, not for our own glory, but to show diligence and give glory to God. Colossians 3:23-24 says this: "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ."

Similarly, in our families, we are called to live out our vocation through the relationships and responsibilities that we have. Whether as parents, spouses, children, or siblings, we are called to love one another, forgive one another, and serve one another with humility and selflessness. We are also called to be examples of Christ-like love and virtue to those around us, both inside and outside of our families.

In other areas of service, such as volunteering in our communities or supporting charitable causes, we are called to use our time, talents, and resources to make a positive difference in the world. This involves looking beyond our own needs and desires, and focusing on the needs of others.

Ultimately, our vocation as Orthodox Christians is to love God and love our neighbor as ourselves. This involves seeking God's will for our lives and responding to His call in whatever circumstances and situations we find ourselves in. Whether through our jobs, families, or other areas of service, we are called to live out our faith in practical and meaningful ways, and to be ambassadors of Christ's love and compassion to all those around us.

Discernment

Discovering one's vocation is a process that involves prayer, discernment, and self-reflection. It requires an openness to God's will and a willingness to listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. This process may involve seeking guidance from a spiritual father, trusted advisors, or through personal reflection and prayer.

One way to begin discerning one's vocation is to explore one's strengths and interests. Everyone has unique talents and abilities that can be used in service to God and others. For example, someone who is gifted in teaching and has a passion for sharing the Gospel might be called to pursue a vocation in lay ministry or even the priesthood. Someone who has a heart for serving the poor might be led to pursue a vocation in charitable work.

When it comes to determining our vocations, our life experiences and how they have shaped our perspective and values are crucial factors to consider. By reflecting on these experiences, we can gain important insights into our calling and purpose. Our experiences can help us identify our strengths, values, and passions, which in turn can guide us towards a fulfilling career path. It is essential to take the time to reflect on our experiences and how they have impacted us, as they can provide us with valuable clues as to what our true calling might be.

Ultimately, discerning one's vocation is a deeply personal and spiritual process that requires an openness to God's will and a willingness to surrender one's own plans and desires. As Orthodox Christians, we believe that God has a unique purpose for each of our lives, and that by aligning our lives with His will, we can find true fulfillment and joy in our vocations. In all things we should remember that we desire to place God's will above our own. An Orthodox Christian life brings joy, but it can also be deeply challenging at times. Placing aside our own will in order to do what we believe God wants us to do should always be our goal.

Conclusion

The concept of vocation in Orthodox Christianity is rooted in the belief that each individual has a unique purpose in life that is part of God's plan. This purpose involves using one's talents, gifts, and passions to fulfill God's plan for them and serving God and His people in a meaningful way. Orthodox Christians may be called to various vocations such as priesthood, monasticism, marriage, and lay ministry, and each vocation offers unique opportunities for spiritual growth and service. However, as Orthodox Christians, we are also called to live out our faith and fulfill our vocation in all aspects of our daily lives, including our jobs, families, and other areas of service. Discovering one's vocation requires prayer, discernment, and self-reflection, and it involves seeking guidance from trusted advisors and through personal reflection and prayer. Ultimately, our vocation as Orthodox Christians is to love God and love our neighbor as ourselves, living out our faith in practical and meaningful ways, and being ambassadors of Christ's love and compassion to all those around us.