What am I supposed to do with my life?

For years, I’ve made the comment that I believe all young men – and women – have a moral obligation before God to at least “ask the question.” Ask what question? Undoubtedly, the most important question any person will ever ask – what am I supposed to do with my life?

I say this because as Catholic Christians, we understand that every person has a vocation, a “calling” from God on his life to follow a particular path, the one that will make him happiest, and the one that will bring the greatest glory to God. When you think about it, this is really an awesome gift from God to each one of us.

Often, the answer to “that question” doesn’t come easy. It can take quite a while in fact. And knowing the steps to take can be a challenge. I remember discerning – even agonizing – for a few years before I made the decision to enter formation for the priesthood in 1989. And I recall even more vividly the difficulty with which I left the seminary.

So many thoughts went through my mind and heart. What would my family think? What about all the friends who were supportive of my priestly vocation? Most of all, was I letting God down and no longer following his will?

It’s taken many years, but I have such a peace in my heart that I am right where the Lord wants me. And you, too, can have that same peace, as long as you honestly “ask the question,” and more honestly respond to whatever it is the Holy Spirit prompts you to do.

In a sense, you really can’t make a “wrong” choice when it comes to your vocation if you are listening attentively to the voice of God, are open to doing whatever it is he asks of you, and are getting good advice from holy people you trust.

All of that, I believe, is a great recipe for vocational happiness. And, even though the majority of men who “ask the question” are not called to the priesthood, a certain number are.

Might you be numbered among those who are being invited by God to follow in Jesus’ footsteps as a priest?