The English language is stuffed with phrases that, whereas seemingly synonymous, actually communicate radically different things. For occasion, take politician” and public servant.” While both might be used interchangeably, the latter is, by definition, targeted on others, while plainly the previous is often targeted on his or herself. Another set of false synonyms is occupation” and vocation.” While both phrases refer to something that we do, a job or profession, the similarities stop there.
Am I afraid to be called to the non secular life? Not at all. If it is what He needs from me, I’ll do it. My mother won’t be completely happy but when it is what God wants, it is what I’ll do. Do I really feel called to it? Not at all. In reality, when folks ask me why I’m not a religious sister, I almost really feel like they’re trying to force the vocation. …
God calls. We reply. A vocation is a response to a specific call that Jesus Christ locations on our hearts. It is our individual way of living discipleship within the Church.