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Traditional Catholic Faith => General Discussion => Topic started by: Disputaciones on April 05, 2018, 07:19:47 AM
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I've always wondered if there is something for every single person that God "meant" for that person to do, supposing such person belongs to the world and has to make a living.
For instance, if there is a profession God intended for every person, or a business etc.
I just think about this because I can decide on my own whether to go to this or that job, or whether to start this or that business, but in all this, I don't know what God would like me to be doing the most, or if there is something special I was meant for, something that will be the "best" thing I am suited for.
I think more and more about this when I think about working for a living, I mean, it really sucks to be a slave to someone else and to depend on your employers for money, and to be honest the whole thing is risky since you can be fired at any time, so I always wonder if this is what God would want me to be doing.
Should you even pray for this, or just analyze what best suits you and decide for yourself?
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Thomas Nelson was a dedicated public high school teacher, but questioned what he was doing and where he was going. He began to pray earnestly to God for direction. As a consequence of his prayers Mr. Nelson started TAN BOOKS from a very humble beginning in 1967 and the rest is history. No doubt, countless souls have been aided immensely in their salvation through TAN BOOKS.
What a great tragedy how the devout and staunch traditional Catholic Mr. Nelson lost his company and how it to a great degree degraded after that, but that is another story, perhaps for a different thread.
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Good post, and a great question.
I would recommend two things:
1.) Read Uniformity With God's Will by Saint Alphonsus de Ligouri. This is a short little booklet that can be read over the course of a day or two. I've read it about a dozen times and it gets better every time I read it. You can download a PDF version online or order it off Amazon for a couple bucks. I try to buy a couple dozen copies at a time to have on hand for friends and family.
He can find this book here, among other jewels:
Free Traditional Catholic Books (http://www.traditionalcatholic.co/free-catholicbooks/)
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For most people I think that multiple paths are possible, I do not think that there is only ONE path for us and if we miss it then we are failing God (regarding careers).
I do believed that God will lead us the way we are to go. Doors will close, windows will open and we will be propelled along the path He wants us to take. If you don't feel that nudging perhaps it is best to tread water until you do. BUT you can't tread water forever so seeking guidance from others may be needed also.
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Good post, and a great question.
I would recommend two things:
1.) Read Uniformity With God's Will by Saint Alphonsus de Ligouri. This is a short little booklet that can be read over the course of a day or two. I've read it about a dozen times and it gets better every time I read it. You can download a PDF version online or order it off Amazon for a couple bucks. I try to buy a couple dozen copies at a time to have on hand for friends and family.
2.) I would suggest a Nine Day Novena to Saint Joseph. Below is the novena prayer I pray, and I insert my intention before the prayer...
O Saint Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires.
O Saint Joseph, assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.
O Saint Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me, and ask Him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. Amen
O Saint Joseph, hear my prayers and obtain my petitions. O Saint Joseph, pray for me.
Here's a little quote from the book by Saint Alphonsus:
I hope this helps, and I'll keep you in my prayers.
I read this book a long time ago, and from what I remember, it was more about just accepting whatever happens to you, not about actively doing something to see what you’re supposed to be doing. Correct me if I’m wrong about that.
I know that most entrepreneurs and “successful” people didn’t just wait around for something to happen and they didn’t just “accept the hand they were dealt” but instead went out and “made their own life,” so to speak.
The thing is, you can’t just do nothing but pray and wait for God to tell you what to do for a living, because of course you need money right now.
I’ll read the book again anyway and thanks for your answer and prayers.
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disputaciones - Fr. Fahey talks about this in his book "the church and farming". The short answer would be the answer God gave us in Genesis, when he said tend/keep my garden. It is any wonder then why most of Christs parables are agriculturally themed? As a recreational gardener, I cannot tell you how often I refer to what Christ said when I grow plants.
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While it might be possible God's answer to prayer could be a "nudge" in the direction of a certain gainful occupation for a Catholic, usually when we say "vocation" it refers to God's calling us into the religious life. I have heard several Novus Ordo priests attempt to equate the so-called vocation to married life with vocation to become a sister in a convent or a brother in a priory. This was not the case before Vat.II and consequently it must be a result of the ambiguity and unclean spirit of Vat.II.
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Certainly there are some gainful occupations that can be more beneficial to the Church and God's glory in the world, but in many cases a Catholic only has occasional opportunities to do or say something that is helpful that way. It seems to me that every occupation presents a kind of balancing act for the Catholic, in which he must always have in mind the avoidance of sin and the doing of morally upright acts.
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In our present time, worldiness and the activism of morally impure people have been encroaching on our daily lives to the degree that it is more and more challenging to pursue a career without having to suffer setbacks or loss of advancement because of our desire and intention to avoid sin and adhere to a Catholic moral code. Therefore the Catholic balancing act is getting more difficult as time goes on.
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Well, finally I outstripped the new and improved time limit!
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While it might be possible God's answer to prayer could be a "nudge" in the direction of a certain gainful occupation for a Catholic, usually when we say "vocation" it refers to God's calling us into the religious life. I have heard several Novus Ordo priests attempt to equate the so-called vocation to married life with vocation to become a sister in a convent or a brother in a priory. This was not the case before Vat.II and consequently it must be a result of the ambiguity and unclean spirit of Vat.II.
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For example, Novus Ordo parishes now offer the so-called vocation of "Permanent Deacon" by which a Novus Ordo Catholic can get a salary or "stipend" for showing up and getting vested and conducting ceremonies that take the place of priests. The whole concept has the unmistakable aspect of Protestantism about it. Traditionally, in the Western Church a deacon is a man on the way to becoming a priest, and it's a temporary designation as one of the steps along the way: (minor orders) Porter, Lector, Exorcist, Acolyte; (major Orders) Subdeacon, Deacon, Priest. And a Deacon then who doesn't become a Priest is one who left the path for whatever reason, not because it was some kind of "career option." Furthermore, so-called Permanent Deacons I have known I have found to be conspicuously ignorant of important Church doctrines and generally far too materialistic in their outlook.
Certainly there are some gainful occupations that can be more beneficial to the Church and God's glory in the world, but in many cases a Catholic only has occasional opportunities to do or say something that is helpful that way. It seems to me that every occupation presents a kind of balancing act for the Catholic, in which he must always have in mind the avoidance of sin and the doing of morally upright acts.
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In our present time, worldiness and the activism of morally impure people have been encroaching on our daily lives to the degree that it is more and more challenging to pursue a career without having to suffer setbacks or loss of advancement because of our desire and intention to avoid sin and adhere to a Catholic moral code. Therefore the Catholic balancing act is getting more difficult as time goes on.
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Well, finally I outstripped the new and improved time limit!
.
.
While it might be possible God's answer to prayer could be a "nudge" in the direction of a certain gainful occupation for a Catholic, usually when we say "vocation" it refers to God's calling us into the religious life. I have heard several Novus Ordo priests attempt to equate the so-called vocation to married life with vocation to become a sister in a convent or a brother in a priory. This was not the case before Vat.II and consequently it must be a result of the ambiguity and unclean spirit of Vat.II.
.
For example, Novus Ordo parishes now offer the so-called vocation of "Permanent Deacon" by which a Novus Ordo Catholic can get a salary or "stipend" for showing up and getting vested and conducting ceremonies that take the place of priests. The whole concept has the unmistakable aspect of Protestantism about it. Traditionally, in the Western Church a deacon is a man on the way to becoming a priest, and it's a temporary designation as one of the steps along the way: (minor orders) Porter, Lector, Exorcist, Acolyte; (major Orders) Subdeacon, Deacon, Priest. And a Deacon then who doesn't become a Priest is one who left the path for whatever reason, not because it was some kind of "career option." Furthermore, so-called Permanent Deacons I have known I have found to be conspicuously ignorant of important Church doctrines and generally far too materialistic in their outlook.
Certainly there are some gainful occupations that can be more beneficial to the Church and God's glory in the world, but in many cases a Catholic only has occasional opportunities to do or say something that is helpful that way. It seems to me that every occupation presents a kind of balancing act for the Catholic, in which he must always have in mind the avoidance of sin and the doing of morally upright acts.
.
In our present time, worldiness and the activism of morally impure people have been encroaching on our daily lives to the degree that it is more and more challenging to pursue a career without having to suffer setbacks or loss of advancement because of our desire and intention to avoid sin and adhere to a Catholic moral code. Therefore the Catholic balancing act is getting more difficult as time goes on.
The Byzantines have the same thing, though. The new idea of permanent deacons in Western Christianity is something very much taken from the East, where the diaconate is not seen as a stepping stone, but rather a possibly permanent office.
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I've always wondered if there is something for every single person that God "meant" for that person to do, supposing such person belongs to the world and has to make a living.
For instance, if there is a profession God intended for every person, or a business etc.
I just think about this because I can decide on my own whether to go to this or that job, or whether to start this or that business, but in all this, I don't know what God would like me to be doing the most, or if there is something special I was meant for, something that will be the "best" thing I am suited for.
I think more and more about this when I think about working for a living, I mean, it really sucks to be a slave to someone else and to depend on your employers for money, and to be honest the whole thing is risky since you can be fired at any time, so I always wonder if this is what God would want me to be doing.
Should you even pray for this, or just analyze what best suits you and decide for yourself?
In my long experience in business:
What you do for a living should have been developed by your father since you were a child (I am talking about male children and man's work)
Everyone has a gift from God, a talent, a leaning. Some are born builders of things, some are born salesmen, doctors, lawyers, accountants, clergy, artists/aesthetics, farmers/agricultural....... It is the job of the father to figure this out and provide the tools for the child to grow in knowledge of their field.
Was this done for you?
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Yes, as long as it's honest. From the Catechism of the Council of Trent (https://isidore.co/calibre/#panel=book_details&book_id=5864) on matrimony (http://www.catholicapologetics.info/thechurch/catechism/Holy7Sacraments-Matrimony.shtml):
The husband should also be constantly occupied in some honest pursuit with a view to provide necessaries for the support of his family and to avoid idleness, the root of almost every vice.
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In my long experience in business:
What you do for a living should have been developed by your father since you were a child (I am talking about male children and man's work)
Everyone has a gift from God, a talent, a leaning. Some are born builders of things, some are born salesmen, doctors, lawyers, accountants, clergy, artists/aesthetics, farmers/agricultural....... It is the job of the father to figure this out and provide the tools for the child to grow in knowledge of their field.
Was this done for you?
No, it wasn’t. I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately though.
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1.) Read Uniformity With God's Will by Saint Alphonsus de Ligouri.
Yes, that work is excellent. It's available here (https://isidore.co/calibre/#panel=book_details&book_id=2884) and on CCEL (http://www.ccel.org/ccel/alphonsus/uniformity.html).
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No, it wasn’t. I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately though.
In Latin America one has to invent something to make money, it is not like the USA where one can just go work for a company, although the USA is changing fast in the direction of the Latin American experience.
What are you good at?
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Yes, as long as it's honest. From the Catechism of the Council of Trent (https://isidore.co/calibre/#panel=book_details&book_id=5864) on matrimony (http://www.catholicapologetics.info/thechurch/catechism/Holy7Sacraments-Matrimony.shtml):
The husband should also be constantly occupied in some honest pursuit with a view to provide necessaries for the support of his family and to avoid idleness, the root of almost every vice.
Isn't the CCT great? That says it all, nothing else need be said.
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In Latin America one has to invent something to make money, it is not like the USA where one can just go work for a company, although the USA is changing fast in the direction of the Latin American experience.
What are you good at?
Well that’s the thing, I’m not sure yet what I’m good at in order to turn it into a business or such, that’s what I’ve been trying to figure out lately.
For now I work online and am looking to get another online job because the one I am at right now will end June 30th. I’ve been asking about the savings account situation in this country and it turns out it’s nothing like the USA, where you can get a 10-12% average return, over here it’s like 2% at the most, which is nothing.
I’ve been thinking about getting a teaching certification because it turns out that online teaching pays very well, that’s what I’m doing right now but I could make even more if I had a certification.
The other thing I’ve thought about is small scale farming but that’s also not that good over here, in the USA you could make more than $80,000 a year with micro farming because things sell for a whole lot more there, but here they don’t sell for much, so it would have to be something special that you know will sell for a lot over here and that people will actually buy.
I’ve also thought about setting up a bakery because that actually can be a good business here, but I need to save up to get a good quality oven and other things.
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Isn't the CCT great? That says it all, nothing else need be said.
Yes, it does indeed concisely say it all: He should be constantly employed, avoid idleness, and support his family.
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Well that’s the thing, I’m not sure yet what I’m good at in order to turn it into a business or such, that’s what I’ve been trying to figure out lately.
For now I work online and am looking to get another online job because the one I am at right now will end June 30th. I’ve been asking about the savings account situation in this country and it turns out it’s nothing like the USA, where you can get a 10-12% average return, over here it’s like 2% at the most, which is nothing.
I’ve been thinking about getting a teaching certification because it turns out that online teaching pays very well, that’s what I’m doing right now but I could make even more if I had a certification.
The other thing I’ve thought about is small scale farming but that’s also not that good over here, in the USA you could make more than $80,000 a year with micro farming because things sell for a whole lot more there, but here they don’t sell for much, so it would have to be something special that you know will sell for a lot over here and that people will actually buy.
I’ve also thought about setting up a bakery because that actually can be a good business here, but I need to save up to get a good quality oven and other things.
Before you start a business, any business, you have to work for someone to learn the business thoroughly before you can go on your own. Find out what you are good at and go get a job with someone you can learn from. It is called the apprenticeship system. That is the way young men learned a profession before the "college business" lobby did away with it as a formal means of learning.
Before you start a business, any business, you have to work for someone to learn the business thoroughly before you can go on your own. It costs you no money to work to learn. If you can pay for college, then you can work for $3 a day and get a free education as an apprentice in the occupation that you are good at. Do you understand the mindset? You are at least not having to pay for an education. Once you work in a real business as an apprentice you will learn the pitfalls, and maybe realize it was not for you and try something else. Maybe what will happen is that some customer likes the way you work and hires you to work for them and you end up in the business you were meant for. God works that way. The best thing is to get started on the street where people can find you.
In the USA a savings account is paying like 1% since 2010 at least. Savings accounts have not paid over 3.5% since like 2002.
Micro farming paying $80,000 is a fallacy, the fallacy sells the books that teach that anyone can make $80,000 doing it.
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I know that a lady who owned a clothes shop went to padre pio for confession. During the confession, padre pio made her promise to get rid of all trousers from her shop, he said she couldn't give them away she had to bin them.
I guess owning a shop is alright as long as it sells stuff God likes.
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Before you start a business, any business, you have to work for someone to learn the business thoroughly before you can go on your own. Find out what you are good at and go get a job with someone you can learn from. It is called the apprenticeship system. That is the way young men learned a profession before the "college business" lobby did away with it as a formal means of learning.
Before you start a business, any business, you have to work for someone to learn the business thoroughly before you can go on your own. It costs you no money to work to learn. If you can pay for college, then you can work for $3 a day and get a free education as an apprentice in the occupation that you are good at. Do you understand the mindset? You are at least not having to pay for an education. Once you work in a real business as an apprentice you will learn the pitfalls, and maybe realize it was not for you and try something else. Maybe what will happen is that some customer likes the way you work and hires you to work for them and you end up in the business you were meant for. God works that way. The best thing is to get started on the street where people can find you.
In the USA a savings account is paying like 1% since 2010 at least. Savings accounts have not paid over 3.5% since like 2002.
Micro farming paying $80,000 is a fallacy, the fallacy sells the books that teach that anyone can make $80,000 doing it.
It's called spin farming, and there are videos of people that are already doing it. YouTube Curtis Stone.
And I've seen several videos about getting returns of 10% a year average, but I don't remember if it was regular savings accounts specifically. Dave Ramsey talks about this all the time.
What do you do for a living?
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It's called spin farming, and there are videos of people that are already doing it. YouTube Curtis Stone.
And I've seen several videos about getting returns of 10% a year average, but I don't remember if it was regular savings accounts specifically. Dave Ramsey talks about this all the time.
Savings are what is left over to "play" with, that is, if you lose 50% of it in the stock market, it does not affect your life. That is what I mean by play with.
You are young, any "savings" you have, should go into a business of your own, or to buy a house to live in. But you can't go into business without first getting experience in that business without any risk to your money, by working for someone else who is in the business you want to get into. So your savings for now should go into a house you can live in.