1. Who I am called by God to be

2. To be called God calls us each by name What are some Bible stories that speak of callings? Samuel, Jeremiah, Paul, the Apostles, Mary… God created us each with a special purpose, mission for our lives, knew us before birth. Jeremiah 29:11-16 “For I know well the plans I have in mind for you says the Lord, plans to give you a future of hope. When you search for me you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me says the Lord.”

3. At Baptism Called to be God’s adopted children

4. The common foundation of both is Baptism One is permanent One can change Both are be considered callings Career vs. Permanent State of Life Everything flows from what I am. What I am called by God to be.

5. "I ask each of you first and foremost to look into your own heart, think of all the love that your heart was made to receive, and also the love it is meant to give, after all we were made for love... We were made to receive love... We were also made to give love..." Pope Benedict XVI, Message to Youth

6. Because we are made in the image of a God who is Love. God is a communion of Persons, an eternal community of love, a family. “God created mankind in his image; in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Gen1:27 We are all made for spousal love …Our body/being speak of this!

7. We are made for union with God…from love for love…destiny to love, relationship with God. History of the Bible: Begins with what?...story of what/who? A marriage? Marriage of Adam and Eve Throughout the Bible God uses marriage imagery, of God and His Chosen People Israel End of the Bible with what?...Another marriage? Christ and His Church, the Lamb of God and His Bride….

8. What do they reveal to us about God? About our destiny? Two ways to love totally & give complete gift of yourself.

9. Jesus said: “…This is why man leaves his father and mother and becomes attached to his wife, and the two become one flesh?” Mt19:4-5 “God blessed them and said be fertile and multiply…” Gen 1:28 “Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ…This mystery has great significance, but I am applying it to Christ and the Church.” Eph5:21-32

10. “The unmarried man gives his mind to the Lord’s affairs and to how he can please the Lord.”ICor7:32-33 Image of living out our Heavenly marriage here on earth. Union with God, our destiny.

11. “Love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”Jn15:12-13 “Unless a grain of wheat falls to the grounds and dies, it remains just a single grain.” “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the Church and handed himself over for her.” Eph5:25

12. Prayer & Silence Sacraments Scripture & Spiritual Reading Living a virtuous life!!! (live like God you will become like Him) Conversing with wise people Devotions to Saints Learning of their lives Charity (alms-giving)/Ministry Right now: As chaste singles, we are called to live the call to Holiness from our Baptism, preparing for this vocation commitment.

13. Mary “May it be done unto me according to your word” Suscipe (St. Ignatius of Loyola): Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding and my entire will, All I have and call my own. You have given all to me. To you, Lord, I return it. Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Give me only your love and your grace. That is enough for me.