Discovering Your Own Calling

Inspired by Peter and Paul

Dear friends in Christ, Dear sisters and brothers,

On June 29th, we celebrate the feast of two great apostles: Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Two men who could not be more different, yet in the very differences, they show us something extremely important for our own lives:

God calls each of us in a way that is uniquely and personally our own.

Two different callings with one shared mission

Let’s begin with Peter, the simple fisherman from Galilee. He was often unsure – one minute full of enthusiasm and the next he could be filled with fear. He longed to be a very close friend to Jesus, to stand by his side, to walk with him. But when the moment came, on the night they arrested Jesus, Peter denied ever knowing him. And yet, it was Peter who Jesus called to tend his sheep. It was Peter. Even though his life was far from perfect. Peter became the rock of the early Church, not because he was perfect, but because he allowed himself to be called, despite his limits, just as he was.

And then there’s Paul, a highly educated Pharisee from Tarsus, a Roman citizen, well-versed in law and religion. Convinced of his own righteousness, he persecuted the early Christian Church. But one day, on the road to Damascus, he was struck down by Risen One. It was an encounter that changed him for his entire life.

From persecutor to tireless missionary

Paul no longer hesitated to cross boundaries and go beyond: spiritually, personally and geographically. And that’s exactly what their lives show us: A calling is always first and foremost personal. Peter and Paul remind us that no vocation is a copy of someone else’s. Every real encounter with God is always personal. It comes from the heart of God. God knows exactly who he needs and what their purpose is. Peter, with his impulsive heart, became a shepherd. Paul, with his sharp and focused mind, became the apostle to the nations. Neither of them was called because they were perfect. But God called them, because he trusted they could do his work.

And what about us?

You too, have your own calling. Maybe you think you not smart enough, you are too weak, too complicated, too afraid, or too proud. Maybe you only see your faults. But God sees you with different eyes.

I wrestled for a long time with my own calling to the priesthood. I was convinced I wasn’t good enough. I wasn’t smart enough, not holy enough. But after years of inner struggle, I found an answer filled with peace and deep joy, knowing that God never gave up on me— that he kept calling me, again and again.

Even now, I know am not holy enough and not good enough to be a witness to him. But I have discovered something important: In relationship with God, it’s not first about what I can do, or how convincing I am. It’s about trust. Trusting that God will give me everything I need, to live the calling he has given me. Yes, there are still times when I feel overwhelmed— by what I expect of myself or what I think others expect of me. But God doesn’t start with your personal résumé. He begins with your heart. And he asks: “Will you follow me? Will you carry my love into this world— in your own, very personal way?”

Living your vocation today

Maybe you’re not called to preach or be a missionary. But maybe you are called to listen. To act justly in your work. To sow love in your family. To give courage to others and help lift them up. To practice forgiveness and kindness. To pray faithfully. These, too, are daily callings.

Dear Friends

We celebrate two apostles – two men who were very different from one another, yet both said yes to God’s call. God needs you too! With your heart. With your gifts. With your stories.

I would like to thank you and express my gratitude for your testimonies as friends of God. May the Lord sanctify you in your calling, bless your journey of faith, and make you a light for others.

Praised be Jesus Christ.