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Many
of us know the reality of leaving behind parts of a lifestyle to which we've
been accustomed. The leaving of single life for engagement/marriage requires a
willingness to include another person fully in each decision.
For those with a first baby and all the gear required, the idea of jumping in the car quickly and going to the shops is left behind for what now feels more like packing a truck!
Some young adults who take time out to travel and work around the world can find it a big adjustment to leave that phase behind and settle back to a life and career at home.
And so the list could go on.
For people contemplating religious life or diocesan priesthood it's natural to ask; 'what am I leaving behind?' I suggest there are at least two answers, one being; 'a lot' and the other being; 'not all that I might have imagined'.
Commitments that are worth it always need to leave things behind otherwise we'd be kidding ourselves that any life can have everything.
Some people spend years chasing that idea, failing to make the distinction between a life that can be full and a life that keeps wanting to have and be everything.
Choice is an essential ingredient for the living of any life to the full, for a real choice is one between options. To embrace religious life or diocesan priesthood is to leave behind certain elements of other good options. And, likewise, those other options leave behind many things that religious life or priesthood enable.
In
any good vocation, the leaving behind and selflessness required is real. It's a
strong sign of our choice. But if the discernment of vocation is about finding
our best choice, then accompanying the leaving behind is a taking up!
Taking up what the choice enables can bring a new and deep freedom, a new sense of being and place in life.
After we have thought long about our choices using all the logic we can, the move to saying a trusting yes to God takes us beyond logic and into grace! One guy said to me after saying yes about his vocation; "I'm still me but somehow I'm even more me!"
So, what about the second answer I've suggested above, that I'm not leaving behind all that I might have imagined?
The thought here is that we are called according to who we are, including many of our interests and ideals.
We have a great group of fellows who've just begun this year as new seminarians for the Diocese of Parramatta. And I've said to them on many occasions that they're not just joining us to fit into a formula. They are each new and unique gifts for the people and priesthood of our diocese.
The
youngest of them (21) is a talented rap dancer and has nurtured creative dance
ability in lots of children. He doesn't need to leave that behind. Just imagine
how such a vibrant talent will be used in his ministry!
Another has directed live drama and taught related subjects in a university. What a plus for our Diocese!
Another has a fantastic way of engaging people of all ages in conversation and a great sense of trust and adventure in his life and faith.
One who enjoys his motor-cycling can also turn his hand to anything with a hammer and saw.
These aren't left behind, nor are another's IT and teaching skills along with restaurant experience to keep making top espresso.
Similar is true of priests I know. One is keen on astronomy and enthrals students as he takes his telescope and mind-boggling stories into classrooms.
Another enjoys cooking and collecting wine, his home and hospitality being a great gatherer of friends.
There are a few priests in the Diocese whose singing performances rival many big names, and a retired priest whose love of cycling has worn out countless tyres!
Another
enjoys his motor home regularly and it seems boating with motors is preferred to
sails among the current Parramatta priests.
Some have involvements with other cultures and special interest projects that enrich their lives and ministries.
And which Australian Bishop do you think can competently talk greyhounds, among other topics, as a way to the hearts of some on farms and properties?
None of these diverse interests of priests and seminarians are left behind. The words of St Thomas Aquinas continue to remind us that grace builds on nature.
It's people with real lives and interests who are called to religious life and priesthood, not statistics who leave behind their many ways of adding to the joy of living for Christ.
Until next time,
Fr Paul Roberts,
vocations@parra.catholic.org.au