Francis Kelly Nemeck Livres

A burning theological and pastoral issue of our times is that of vocation - not only priestly and religious vocations (or the lack of them) but also marriage and singlehood. In Called by God, Francis Kelly Nemeck and Marie Theresa Coombs offer an invigorating theology of the mystery of vocation and lifelong commitment from an evolutionary and relational perspective. They first reexamine the mystery of God's will as it bears on vocational discernment. Next they explore several biblical notions converging on that theme: chosen, called, and consecrated. The authors then discuss at length the development of vocation and the unfolding of vocational consciousness necessary for a lifelong commitment. Lastly, Nemeck and Coombs present insights into further vocational progress, once mature commitment has been established.

From a relational and evolutionary perspective on the mystery of vocation, the authors develop the principles of discernment for Christian marriage, celibacy, and singlehood. They see the vocational core of marriage as a calling by God of each spouse to be a unique instrument of transformation and purification in the other's spiritual journey. They identify the vocational core of celibacy as the relationship between Jesus and the celibate rendering the celibate unmarriageable for the sake of Christ and the Gospel. They view the vocational core of singlehood as witness to a certain independence for the sake of the reign of God. In the light of each vocational core, the authors discuss specific signs which indicate and authentic calling. This book appeals to those seeking to discern their personal vocation as well as to those guiding them.