www.vocation.com - Is my wanting to do more for Christ by joining a relig

	Mika asks: I'm young psychologist from Poland. I chose that field of study because I wanted to be useful for others, helping and supporting them. But now I feel that it is not the right way. I see myself near the hospital bed, just beside to the human in suffering. But not only like a volunteer - few times a week, one hour per day. It is not enough for me. I would like to position Christ, who is in other human being, in the centre of my life. I want leave everything which tides my hands, soul, mind and become a servant of Love in a community, which express the same ideas about the people in suffering. I am only not sure if I should decide for that step. Sometimes I think: "maybe it's just an escape from everyday's reality" or I search some different explanations. But nothing can stop this unusual magnetism inside me which still pushing me directly on the way to life in community. That what I am asking for is an advise and support at this tough moment of my life. (Sorry for my awful English, but it's not my native language).
	Dear Mika, You make yourself very well understood in English; I wish I could speak Polish that well! I do not think you should doubt much more about taking the next step in your vocation. Your motives (to be close to and serve Christ in the person who suffers) come from the love God places in our hearts through the Holy Spirit. I am not saying you definitely have a vocation and should right now leave everything- just that you have every reason to suppose you may have a vocation, and should try to verify it concretely. In order to do this, first of all continue to pray and to offer yourself to Christ, telling him you want to love and serve him totally in any way he wants. As you do this, if you do not already have a community in mind where you think you may be called, begin your search. You feel called to a very specific ministry so that should make your search easier. Your parish priest will also be able to make some suggestions to you. Once there is a community you think you may be called to, speak to the men there in charge of vocations. They will be able to guide you through the next steps in your reflection, and they will help you discern the reality of your call. Then you will be able to come to a conclusion. God bless, and be sure of my prayers.


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