In May 2014, igNation launched a series exploring the Jesuit identity as it is expressed in works of fiction: "Keyword: Jesuit, Genre: Fiction".  This was followed by the series "Keyword: Jesuit, Genre: Biography".  In these two series we hear what others think about what it means to be a Jesuit – in fiction and in biography. 

This new series – “Keyword: Jesuit, Genre: Autobiography” – will explore what it means to be a Jesuit today – as told in their own words by Canadian Jesuits.  The articles –     written for igNation –are as different in expression and format as the men who wrote them. 

      Today's Posting:  Jesuit and Priest: Complementary Vocation by Santiago Rodriguez, SJ

Someone I hadn’t seen in more than ten years recognized me one afternoon last spring. Caroline and I had taken a course together at the University of Miami. She updated me on her life, then inquired about my last ten years. I told her I had moved to Canada with my family and, in 2008, I had joined a religious order. “I’m a Jesuit scholastic — a seminarian — I’m studying to be a priest,” I offered. She looked at me as though I had just declared myself to be a flying purple cow. “How come?” she asked. I guessed her real question: “How come somebody would want to be a priest, nowadays?” 

“Yes.” Then she added, “And how come you became a Jesuit?”

Many people before Caroline have asked me about priesthood and religious life. At times, I struggle to express exactly how I know this is the way of life to which God is calling me. I usually reply that spiritual discernment is a bit of a bumpy ride and it has taken a lot of time for me to realize and accept the call to be a Jesuit priest. I explained this to her. I added that my vocation did not really come out of nowhere. The examples and circumstances that influenced my life started when I was very young. “Every year since has represented its own challenges. Every experience invited me to face my fears, shed old vices and develop some new virtues. In that process, I started to recognize God’s calling.”

I told her that as I understand it, I have received two complementary vocations. “The first vocation is to be a Catholic priest. The second vocation is to be a Jesuit.” To me, these two vocations are expressed in a twofold kind of unity; they express my call to speak the Word of God within the Church and to offer that Word to those outside of it.

I explained that over the years one idea had helped me clarify my vocation: “Your vocation is found at that place where your deep gladness meets the world’s deep hunger.” What the American theologian Frederick Buechner conveyed in this powerful statement is that when we choose to live joyfully for others, we feed the world’s deep hunger.

She allowed me to continue. “I’ve realized that the world is hungry for goodness, beauty, love, and truth. It’s also hungry for justice and peace.” I paused, wanting to see if she followed. Her look indicated she did. “These hungers are an expression of our hunger for God. I’ve learned that what brings true joy and peace to my heart is to witness to goodness, beauty, love and truth, and to minister to human pain, to care for the most vulnerable in society.”

She understood me. “That’s quite a life,” she said with a smile.

“Yeah, you know…life,” I said. “It ain’t easy, but it is quite fulfilling.”

We made small talk, exchanged contact information, and went our separate ways. That conversation inspired me to keep reflecting on my vocation, and my identity. As a Jesuit in formation for the priesthood, I am learning to care for the needs of a broken world. I am also learning the ministry of interiority: to help men and women hear and live the Word of God.

This is a mystery I am still grappling with. It is a journey that transforms and amuses me each day. It is a gift for which I am very grateful. It is a calling that summons me to proclaim the kingdom of God at all times, and in all places – even on the side of the road.