Having just completed our Fall Come and See weekend, some wonder, "What's the next step?" That question is different for every man discerning a call to the Dominicans. The next step can be a visit to other houses and priories within the province. It can be going to other discernment retreats or events for other orders, provinces or dioceses. Very often it is just taking some time to spend with the Lord and pray for guidance and clarity.
The steps are different for everyone. What is not dissimilar is the reality of God's love and guidance on our vocational journeys. With nothing more than anecdotal evidence, I truly believe that the vast majority of those taking the bold step to attend a come and see weekend have an authentic call or priesthood and/or the religious life. In our profoundly secularized world, it is a counter-cultural move to even attend a religious retreat, much less attend a vocation discernment event.
But getting from a come and see weekend to entering religious life takes an act of trust rarely seen in our world today. That is why so many find true happiness in living our their lives in such a radical way in following Jesus Christ: they trust God and not themselves.
Trust God in the movements of your heart. If you have an authentic call, it will be evident to you and you will be unable to run away from it if you truly trust in the Eternal and Loving Creator.
In the end, the next steps matter little, as long as there are steps. Steps mean there is movement, a movement forward I hope. A move forward will only bring you closer to the heart of God. In His heart there is only happiness and peace.
Now get moving!
