What does God want you to do with your life? 

Some people figure this out very early. Their life seems to follow a steady path forward. But for most of us, it’s not that simple.  Do you ever feel unsure of what God wants you to do next? 

Paul of the Cross was in that camp for a long time. Paul was born in Italy to a large family of 16 children. When he was a teenager, Paul heard an inspiring homily at Mass and was completely convicted to give his life to God. The only problem? He couldn’t figure out what to do with his life. 

Nothing felt right. Enter the seminary? No. Get married? No. Work in his father’s business? No. Join the military? No. Paul remained stuck in this limbo until he was 26 years old, which, as someone living in the 1700s, meant he had practically missed the boat. 

Finally, after much waiting and prayer, Paul discerned his vocation: God was calling him to start a new religious order dedicated to Jesus’ passion. He spent 6 more years studying for the priesthood as preparation, during which time he still had doubts. He wrote in one of his letters: "I experienced interior desolation, depression, and doubts. It seemed to me that I would never be able to persevere in my vocation. . . Everyone seemed happy except me.” 

Despite his doubts, Paul persevered and kept his faith. By the time he passed away, the Passionist order had 12 monasteries, over 180 priests and brothers, and a community of sisters. Today, it has spread to 60 countries and there have been many notable Passionist saints.

Rest assured, God has an incredible dream for your life. But if you’re in a waiting period right now, or you aren’t exactly sure what God is calling you to next, here are a few things to keep in mind: 

First thing is to be patient—with your situation and with yourself. Be patient as God leads you. He's going to grow you.

Second, God speaks to all of us through three ordinary voices: our needs, our talents, and our desires. Listen to those things in your life. Because God's given you the perfect set of talents and abilities that you need to live out the incredible life that He's inviting you to. 

Third, your vocation is not about you. It's about the world's great need. God wants to create an explosion where your unique talents meet with the world's great needs. And that's where the joy of vocation comes from.

And fourth, as you wait to discover your path, just focus on God and do the next right thing.



Feast Day: October 19

Feast Day Shared By: Saints John de Brébeuf and Isaac Jogues

Also Known As: The Founder of the Congregation of the Passion

Symbols: Crucifix

Canonized: June 29, 1867

Canonized By: Pope Pius IX