Human beings, especially Christians, usually have an identity crisis. We are much more than we realize ourselves to be. Jesus even felt compelled to assure His disciples that they were worth more than many sparrows (Mt 10:31). Jesus' disciples must have been in an identity crisis if they may have not been sure that they were worth more than a few birds.

To help us to realize our God-given baptismal identity, the Lord gives us callings. For example, Abraham, Moses, Samuel, Saul, David, and many others were called by God when they had very little idea of who they were. These callings helped them begin to realize their identities. When the Lord called Isaiah, the future prophet took giant steps towards realizing his prophetic identity (Is 6:1ff).

What are your callings from God, that is, your vocations? If we are baptized, we are sons or daughters of God. This is the greatest of all callings. Then we are called to live our baptismal brotherhood or sisterhood. We are also called to be single for the Lord. This is either temporary and leading to marriage or permanent. Most people are called to the lay vocation. Some are called to priestly or religious vocations. Most are called to be parents and build a family. There are also many other callings from God, such as the diaconate, widowhood, full-time caregiving, etc.

Let us live our many callings faithfully and generously. Then we will come to know ourselves.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert A. Stricker, December 13, 2003

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 18, 2003