The word call has a primary place among the multiple vocational concepts that we will reflect upon in this series of four articles that we initiate today.

It is also the easiest word to identify in the long list of traditional vocational callings that are found in Sacred Scripture: Abraham (Genesis 12:1-9), Moses (Exodus 3:1-18), Samuel (1 Samuel 3:1-11), Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1-13), Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:1-19), Ezekiel (Ezekiel 1:1-3, 2:2, 3:11). The same is found in the New Testament in those places that refer to the vocation of the first disciples (Matthew 22:1-10; Luke 14:15-24; John 1:35-51).

It is not, however, appropriate to engage in a reading of vocational stories, rather we should allow our reading of biblical vocational theology to lead us to a basic conclusion which, at the same time, is the most radical principle with regard to the existence of the Vincentian charism: the history of following Jesus Christ evangelizing the poor is not a project that came into existence because of something that we did; rather it is a call from the One who has called us from all eternity, who wanted to convoke a community for the mission at the most appropriate and opportune moment.

It was in that sense that Vincent understood the mystery of vocation. In his conference on Perseverance in Vocation (October 29,1638) Vincent presented a synthesis of that principle when he stated: God is the one who calls us and who, from all eternity, has destined us to be Missioners, since he did not bring us to birth either one hundred years earlier or later, but precisely at the time of the institution of this Company. Consequently, we must neither seek nor expect rest, satisfaction, and blessings anywhere else but in the [Congregation of the] Mission, since that is the only place God wants and desires us to be — presuming, of course, that our vocation is genuine and not founded on self-interest, or to free ourselves from the inconveniences of life, or from any other motive of human respect (CCD:XI:98).

 The clarity of our founder is far from that vision of vocations that seems to fill the members of some communities with great anxiety as they confront a reduction in the number of consecrated members. Such a vision also produces discouragement or mediocrity in the selection of new candidates and in the style of life that is lived by the members who have completed their initial formation.

Therefore, we can affirm that the true vocational crisis is not found in those who are called but in those who are doing the calling (II Latin American Congress on Vocations [Cartago], #75). With good reason, then, the first step for the generation of a new vocational culture, understood from the perspective of our Vincentian identity, is to be found in permanent formation (which also must be understood from the integrity of the life of the missionaries and not from utilitarian concepts or reduced to some pastoral and/or academic dimension).

The invitation of our Superior General, Father Tomaž Mavrič, CM can sound superfluous or even proselytizing unless his words are read from the theological perspective of the call: Each member of a Congregation within the Vincentian Family should set for himself this goal: I offer myself as a tool to Jesus to bring, during this Jubilee Year, one new candidate to the Congregation to which I belong. Can you imagine 3200 new candidates to the Congregation of the Mission? Is that a dream? With Jesus, however, everything is possible! (Letter of January 15^th, 2017).

The Vincentian vocation and, more specifically, the vocation of the Missionary of the Congregation of the Mission possesses a mystical essence so that when it is well lived and brought to maturity, it becomes necessary to live that vocation in such a way that it reflects the deep joy and gratitude of one who is perceived as being called by pure mercy (praxis), and who, in turn, is capable of calling others.

By: Fr. Rolando Gutiérrez, CM
Vice Province of Costa Rica

Translated:
Charles T. Plock, CM
Eastern Province, USA

Pablo Heimplatz