Cebu Seminarians Engage Youth in Deep Reflection on Religious Vocation
Throughout the province of Cebu this week, seminarians are actively visiting various parishes with a crucial mission: to explain the essence of religious vocation to the younger generation. Their efforts focus particularly on encouraging youth to genuinely consider whether God might be calling them to the priesthood or religious life. This initiative goes beyond mere recruitment, aiming to foster a profound understanding of what such a commitment truly entails.
The Foundation of Vocation: From Human Being to Christian Disciple
As shared with students, the journey toward a religious vocation begins with fundamental steps. The first and foremost calling is to become a good human being. For Christians, this is followed by a deep commitment to faith. Only after embracing these foundational aspects can one authentically entertain the possibility of a divine call to priesthood or religious life. In simpler terms, to be an effective priest or nun, one must first embody the qualities of a devoted Christian, and before that, cultivate genuine humanity.
The challenge of being a good human is substantial in itself. A renowned philosophy professor from Ateneo de Manila once insightfully remarked, "Madaling maging tao. Mahirap magpaka-tao." This highlights that while biological existence as a human is straightforward, achieving authentic personhood involves a lifelong process of nurturing right relationships with oneself, others, nature, and God.
Jesus' Approach to Discipleship: Radical Honesty Over Enticement
Jesus did not universally call everyone to radical apostleship; he discerned individual readiness, as seen with the rich young man instructed to sell his possessions. However, he did not impose such demands on figures like Martha or Nicodemus. His method of calling starkly contrasts modern advertising tactics. In today's commercialized world, recruiters often emphasize job perks to attract candidates, especially when in dire need of personnel.
Yet, Jesus took a diametrically opposite approach. He openly warned potential followers of the hardships ahead, stating in Luke 9:26, "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily, and follow me." In Luke 14:26, he boldly proclaimed, "Whoever does not hate father or mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, even life itself, cannot be my disciple." He even responded uncompromisingly to a disciple's request to bury his father, saying, "Let the dead bury the dead" (Matthew 8:22, Luke 9:60).
Jesus made no attempt to sugarcoat the demands of discipleship. He honestly forewarned of hostility and suffering, noting his own lack of permanent residence: "Foxes have holes and birds in the sky have nests but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head on" (Matthew 8:20). This transparency underscores that his call was about sacrifice, not comfort.
Modern Implications for Promoting Religious Life to Youth
When encouraging youth to consider religious vocations today, a critical question arises: Should we highlight the perks and privileges, or emphasize the demanding nature of an authentic religious life? It becomes problematic if there is a disconnect between the message and reality. Youth may observe a gap between the preached ideal of carrying crosses and the apparent absence of such struggles in the lives of religious figures they encounter.
Nevertheless, it is essential not to shy away from presenting the ideal, while acknowledging human shortcomings. Telling youth that religious life requires significant sacrifice might result in fewer individuals feeling encouraged to enter. However, those who do respond are likely to be more committed and free from illusions, not expecting undue perks. This approach fosters a genuine, resilient vocation rooted in truth rather than superficial allure.
