By: Fr Youssef Asaad
The disciples said to Him, “If this is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry!” But He said to them, “Not everyone can accept this teaching, but only those to whom it is given. For there are eunuchs who were born this way from their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. He who is able to accept it, let him accept it.”
Then children were brought to Him so that He could lay His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, “Let the children come to Me, and do not stop them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:10)
The word “calling” refers to service and shepherding, as shepherding is about caring for the souls that belong to God. A shepherd enters through the door of the divine calling to take care of God’s children and serve them. Such a person needs a calling; it cannot happen without it. But what about monasticism? Is not the monk responsible only for his own salvation? Does seeking personal salvation and striving for perfection require a calling?
A Christian is called, through the atoning death of Christ, to renounce the world, die to the self, leave everything to be attached to the Lord, and meditate on His commandments. Every Christian is called to this: “What I say to you, I say to all.” So, the call to monasticism is a complete conviction of the emptiness of the world, a rejection of all its possessions, and a true desire for a sincere Christian life. Whoever desires this and longs for it may become a monk quickly, or it might happen gradually. Some may find that their work or family situations support this choice, while others may face obstacles. In such cases, they live by monastic principles in their hearts and actions, praying that these obstacles are removed, so that in the end, they will only need to wear the monastic habit in the monastery.
There is no doubt that monasticism is a personal desire and choice, but this doesn’t mean it is not also a calling. We see many who desire it, but few are called; many who long for it, but few can actually achieve it. Therefore, the desire and longing for monasticism must be freed from selfishness, which can be stubborn and persistent, demanding its way, while God may have a different calling for one’s life. A spiritual person, loyal to Christ and focused on eternity, nurtures every good desire within. If the calling is before them and the door is open, blessed is the path of monasticism for them. Blessed is this divine gift, as we hear in the Gospel: “Not everyone can accept this teaching, but only those to whom it is given… He who is able to accept it, let him accept it” (Matthew 19:10-12).
My dear friend, have you longed for monasticism? Blessed are you, for this is the fullness of inner satisfaction. Have you struggled? Have you received God’s approval through confession? Have you found a spiritual guide to accept you and a monastery to open its doors to you? Do you feel peace living among its monks? Blessed are you, for this is the fullness of the divine calling.
If you have longed, struggled, and received the calling, move forward quickly and early. It would be a loss to waste even one day away from monasticism. But if you have longed, struggled, and did not receive the calling, do not be stubborn or hesitate—monasticism might not be the way to your salvation. Perhaps your salvation lies in celibacy and service.
And if your desire for monasticism is not fulfilled, be a friend to monasticism and the monks. Look for their needs and help in meeting them. Support them in prayer, and ask for their prayers during spiritual visits—not visits for entertainment, which may tire them. Instead, use the time for solitude and learning from monasticism and the monks. Encourage others toward monasticism, and do not be an obstacle to anyone who walks this path. Rather, help everyone in whom you see both the desire and the calling, so that they may escape the world.
