As a Catholic, I was raised with the understanding that marriage is more than just a legal transaction that a pastor presides over. We were also raised understanding that marriage was more than the person that you call your husband in front of God. Marriage was taught as synonymous with the word vocation.
Each person has a vocation, a literal calling, from God. Each person is likely to experience different vocations throughout their lifetime, from single to married, from the priesthood to religious life. And we each have to open our hearts to God and God's Words to find our vocations throughout our life. It isn't a one-time process. Discernment is constant and active; seeking what the Lord needs to tell you about where you are to go and how you are to better serve God.
My discernment and eventually calling to married life was not centered around one person or thing, it wasn't about waiting around for Mr. Right. Similarly, a seminarian's discernment is not the lack of Miss Right. Our vocation is the best path for us, and is not about what others will do for us but about what we will do for others.
Sitting through weddings this summer, I want to encourage you to pray for your vocation and the vocations of those around you. Sure, it's easy for me to say, as the soon-to-be married woman, but my discernment is not over. The vocation of marriage is not complete when Josh and I exchange vows and rings, we will need all the prayers we can get!
Tota tua.
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