I have called you by name. You are mine because you are precious in my eyes, you are honored and I love you” (Isaiah 43:1)

Primary: Sharing in the life of God For all people Personal: Call to an individual Specific: Call to a life style

Basic to any analysis of vocation is the belief that God loves each one of us unconditionally. “Look into your experience, find the ways in which God has acted within your life, and then you will come to know that God is a God of love.” (Deuteronomy 4:32-34)

God created us God made a covenant with us through the chosen people. “I will be your God” God sent prophets to communicate with human beings. Jesus became human. Jesus showed us how to live. Jesus died for us. The Holy Spirit inspired the scriptures The Holy Spirit dwells in us. The Holy Spirit continues to guide, direct and comfort.

GOD’S PLAN FROM ALL ETERNITY THE ULTIMATE PLAN FOR ALL PEOPLE IS UNION WITH GOD. JESUS DOES WHAT WE COULD NOT DO FOR OURSELVES. THROUGH HIS LIFE DEATH AND RESURRECTION, THERE CAN BE SHARING OF LIFE BETWEEN THE HUMAN AND DIVINE. IMPORTANT OPTION (OUR CHOICE) THAT THEY MAY BE ALL ONE AS YOU, FATHER ARE IN ME AND I AM IN YOU THAT THEY MAY ALSO BE IN US. (John 17 vs. 21)

GOD MAKES THE FIRST MOVE. GOD NEVER FORCES US TO RESPOND. GOD DEALS WITH US IN A UNIQUE, PERSONAL WAY.

THE RICH YOUNG MAN THE GERASENE DEMONIAC THE CALL OF ZACHEUS Examples:

CAN WE BE HOLY? CAN WE BE PERFECT? “ THIS IS THE WILL OF GOD,YOUR HOLINESS” (1 Thessalonians 4:13) BAPTISM’S GRACE AND ANOINTING

“GOD IN HIS MERCY HAS CALLED US NOT SO MUCH FOR OUR SAKE AS FOR THE SAKE OF THE MANY.” (St. Francis) A VOCATION IS NOT JUST FOR THE PERSON CALLED. IT IS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PERSON AND THE COMMUNITY.

VOCATION INCLUDES AN OFFERING AND A SURRENDER. CAN I WILLINGLY OFFER THE TOTAL AND BEST GIFT OF MYSELF WITHOUT CONDITIONS OR TIME LIMITS? “Hold back nothing of yourself for yourself, so that he who gave himself totally to us may receive us totally.” (St. Francis Letter to the Entire Order)

Francis reflects Christ and leads us to Him. IT IS CHRIST WE SEEK

Many people are attracted to St. Francis. Attraction is not enough. One can be inspired by Francis but not be destined to serve in a consecrated Franciscan form of life.

1. Can I put aside feelings of romanticism, sentimentalism about St. Francis? 2. Do I identify with the things about Jesus that Francis discovered and on which he based his way of living and serving? 3. Looking at my own life experiences, am I ready to learn more about this way and make the effort to embrace the Franciscan path? 4. Can I accept living and nurturing the charism of Francis to make it present in the world?

Definition: The process of making a judgment about something that is not clear. Essential: Prayer How well do we understand the gifts that Francis received? Can we look at Christ with the eyes of Francis?

A very intense Eucharistic Spirituality A very strong fraternal communion Simplicity Poverty Humility A genuine sense of minority A complete and active abandonment to God. Conversion Transformation Peacemaking

Is a good, practical Catholic. Has a desire to follow Jesus and His Gospel- the heart of our way of life? Has a personal relationship with Jesus, not just intellectual knowledge about Jesus? Is hope-filled and willing and able to deal with life’s issues? Realizes that we are all sinful and in need of conversion? Has some knowledge of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi? Is willing & able to commit to the Rule of the S F O and to live in fraternity? Trusts God and realizes the importance of God in one’s life? Has a reverence for all creation and a sense of courtesy and respect for it? Is willing to embrace a counter-cultural stance that is part of life in fraternity and are able and willing to share creative ideas and life with others? (Come and See, Lester Bach, OFM Capuchin.) Signs that an individual may have a vocation to the Secular Franciscan Order The individual:

Secular Franciscans learn about the way of life through study, practice and application based on: Scripture Rule Constitutions Many other authentic resources Experiences with the sisters and brothers in fraternity

Personal presence at fraternity gatherings Witness Prayer Active collaboration, in accordance with each one’s situation and possible obligations for the animation of the fraternity. SFO Constitutions Article 30.2

SUPPORT ENCOURAGEMENT INSPIRATION “Do not be afraid, I will be with you. (Exodus 3:11)