Should I be a religious brother or priest?
Luke asks:
Dear Fr Anthony,
I thought my vocation was to be a religious brother, but now I feel God is calling to me to the priesthood. My question is, I flip flop between yes, I feel the call to the priesthood and sometimes I don't think I can be priest because I don't know if I can do it.
I want to serve the Church and bring people to Christ. I want to tell people how much our Dear Lord loves us and Our God has mercy on us and loves us. What can I do so I don't flip flop on this issue?
Dear Luke,
Our flip-flopping can be due to our feelings (they change, and we change with them) our inconstancy (when our will goes in stops and starts) our doubts (maybe I'm not called), or our fears (maybe I'm not able). These or a combination of them are its most common roots. In your case you mention the doubt that arises from the thought that you may not be able to do it. Your motivations are strong and well-grounded, you had already accepted a possible call to the religious life, and then thoughts of the priesthood came, so I think it is not your will that is flip-flopping; it is more a question of your thoughts and fears.
In this case, you need confirmation from someone who understands the qualifications for becoming a priest and who either knows or can get to know you well. This person will be in a position to discern with you if your fears are founded or not, and open the way for you to make a firmer decision, trusting always in God's grace and help. So my advice is that you seek such a person (he can be the vocation director of the order or diocese you are thinking of being a priest in), speak frankly with him and be willing to listen to his opinion.
God bless,
