A Few Thoughts on Vocation and Education

The following was taken from a presentation given to current ACE Teaching Fellows by Dr. Ernest Morrell at the 2017 December Retreat. 

The next day John was there again with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come, and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. - John 1: 35-39

Why was it so easy for these first disciples to follow Christ? How were these men and women able to give up everything and follow an unknown Carpenter’s son? Many of these disciples were very young; some had families. All of them presumably had other destinies in mind when they met the Teacher. What led them to these life-altering, world-altering decisions?

One of my core beliefs is that discerning isn’t nearly as hard as finding or cultivating the will to discern. My 17-year-old is convinced that it wouldn’t have been difficult for the Magi to follow the star of David. Making the decision to follow the star, however, would have taken tremendous courage.

We generally do not ask ourselves questions that we don’t want to know the answers to. The answers are often more obvious than we realize; that is why they are so difficult to face. While some of us are technically closer to a more formal discernment this is something that we all do. Even those in their first year of teaching have undoubtedly seen enough of schools, and the world, to be contemplating what you would like to do with yourselves personally, professionally, and spiritually over the next 75 to 80 years. It is your will to discern that has led you to pathways such as ACE.

I encourage you to develop the will and the courage to continue to discern, and that will serve you well. Ask the courageous questions: What is God calling me to do? If money, fame, and fortune were not at stake what would I most want to do with my life? What are my gifts? To whom much is given, much is required: What is required of me? How can I be of help? How can I serve? And what is at stake if I refuse?

Christ understands that our natural tendencies are to see ourselves as weak, as powerless, and unlovable. We have to be reminded that we matter. That the road less traveled is the better road, and that the eternal values outlive the discourses of empires. Rome has fallen, the Byzantines have fallen, Italy fell, England slept, the current world order teeters in the balance but the church and her eternal values remain.

Following the path of Christ has never been popular. One doesn’t get to become a saint by leading an easy life and by making everyone around you happy. When we choose to follow the eternal values our lives, in many respects, become more difficult, though hopefully more rewarding.

What are these eternal values?

• Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, all your soul, and all your mind
• Love your neighbor as yourself
• Live in solidarity with the poor and suffering
• See God in all people and all creation
• Lay your treasures in heaven

We are tasked to continue the struggle and to hold on to our Eternal Values. While the word on the street is transient; the word of God is a constant font of wisdom and possibility. God loves us and calls us daily, and it is my hope that we will continue to discern, that we will find ways to serve, and that we will experience joy and fulfillment on our journeys.

Are you feeling called to teach with ACE? Visit ace.nd.edu/teach for more information and to start your application!