¡Supera el miedo!

How to know if God is calling me? — Overcoming fear

Perhaps the idea of the priesthood has at times crossed your mind, but fear drives it away:

Fear of commitment
Fear of celibacy
Fear of not being worthy

These fears are very common, even among those already in the seminary. But literally thousands of men have had the same doubts and yet became holy and devoted priests.

The first truth you must remember is that God does not speak through fear. Fear is a weapon of the Enemy to turn you away from God’s will; it is like the bite of an animal that paralyses its prey so it cannot move.

A man dominated by fear will have difficulty advancing toward God’s will.

So, how to overcome fear? Here are five ideas:

1) Turn your fears into concerns.

You may have legitimate concerns about celibacy or preaching, but that is not the same as being afraid. Instead of letting fear dominate you, look at the demands of the priesthood objectively. It is true that a priest needs self-control, emotional maturity and the ability to speak in public. These and other areas require serious personal examination.

Yes, you will discover things you must improve, but make your discernment with a calm mind, not with a frightened heart.

“Perfect love casts out fear” (1 Jn 4:18).

Remember that when Jesus called Peter (Lk 5:1-11), the first Pope said to him:

“Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man.”

And Jesus assured him that he should not be afraid to follow him. Likewise, Jesus knows your weaknesses and difficulties. If you trust in Him and “cast the nets into the deep,” everything will turn out well.

2) Reflect on the love of God.

Fr. Brett Brannen, in his book Saving a Thousand Souls, recommends this meditation when a man feels afraid:

“God is infinite in power and loves me infinitely. No one can snatch me out of his hand. God will never send me where his grace cannot sustain me. If he asks something difficult of me, like becoming a priest, he will give me the grace to do it. I will not fail, because He is with me. I will be happy because I do his will. Even if I do not have all the necessary qualities, God will help me develop them. In his will is my peace.”

3) Entrust your fears to the Virgin Mary.

Remember that after the angel told her “do not be afraid,” Mary readily accepted God’s will:

“Behold the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”

Give your fears to her intercession: she will calm your heart and help you discover the will of her Son.

4) Remember what the seminary is for.

From a practical point of view, it is consoling to know that, if God calls you to the priesthood, ordination is still far off. The seminary is a time of intense formation to confront doubts, grow in holiness and prepare for fruitful ministry. No man enters the seminary already ready to be a priest.

5) Find consolation in the Word of God.

If you are afraid of the priesthood, you are not alone. Prophets and apostles also felt fear when they were called. Read the following biblical passages to see how God encouraged them:

I am not holy enough: Is 6:1-9; Lk 5:1-11
I fear failing: Ex 14:10-31; Lk 15
I have sinned: Jn 21:15-23; Mt 9:9-13; Lk 7:36-50
I am too young: 1 Sam 3:1-18; 1 Sam 16:1-13; Jer 1:4-10; Lk 1:26-38
I don’t have enough talent: 1 Sam 17:32-51; Lk 1:26-38
I want to have a family: Gn 12:1-3; Mt 12:46-50; Mk 10:28-30
I want “a good life”: Mk 10:17-31; 1 Cor 2:9; Mt 13:44-46; Jn 10:10; Mt 16:24-27
I’m afraid to commit forever: Ruth 1:15-17; Mt 28:16-20; 1 Cor 12:5-10
I am scared to speak in public: Ex 4:10-17; Jer 1:4-10
I am not smart enough: 2 Cor 4:7-18; Ex 4:10-17
I fear being alone: Ex 3:4-22; Lk 1:28-38; Mt 28:20
I want to be happy: Ps 37:4; Mt 5:1-12; Jn 10:10; Mk 10:28-31; 1 Cor 2:9
I am full of fear: 1 Jn 4:18 “There is no fear in love; perfect love casts out fear.”

As St. John Paul II frequently reminded: Do not be afraid! Do not let fear paralyze you. Talk with a priest you trust about your concerns.