From February 7 to 9, Madrid (Spain) was the scene of the first National Vocations Congress. More than 3,000 people, including lay people, priests and consecrated persons, gathered to talk, reflect and pray about something fundamental: vocation. But… what does this word really mean?
Vocation is not just for a few
When we hear “vocation,” it’s easy to think of nuns, priests or friars. And yes, that is part of the vocation, but it is not the only thing. Everyone, absolutely everyone, has a vocation because God has called us to life with a purpose. It’s not just about choosing a profession or a path, but about discovering what meaning our life has and for whom we live. 
Today, more than a crisis of lack of priests or religious, we are living a deeper crisis: we have forgotten that life itself is a vocation.
God has given us talents, dreams and opportunities, but many times we don’t stop to ask ourselves: How can I put my gifts at the service of others?
How do I discover my vocation?
There are no magic answers, but there are ways that can help us:
- To live with a clear meaning: To be a Christian is not just “doing things”, but being someone with a mission in this world.
- Listening beyond the noise: In a world full of distractions, we need space to reflect and listen to the voice of God.
- Create a vocational culture: Talking about vocation should not be something rare or distant. Our community, our parishes and groups should help us discover that life is more than just “doing what we do”.
- Walking together: We are not alone on this journey. Discovering our vocation also means supporting one another in community.
Who am I for?
Rather than asking “What do I want to do with my life?”, perhaps we should start with this other question: Who am I for?
The answer is clear: we are for God and for others. He has created us with love and has given us talents to share. As Christus Vivit says (286):
“You are for me, for I created you because I love you. And you are also for others, for I placed in you many qualities, gifts and charisms that are for others.”
So, the next time you wonder what to do with your life, remember: it’s not just about you, it’s about who needs you and who you can be a light for.