While focused primarily on the priestly vocation, Psychology of a Vocation offers practical wisdom for anyone engaged in vocational discernment. Its unique strength lies in integrating both psychological and spiritual dimensions, highlighting how mind, body, and soul work together in responding to God’s call.
In the opening chapter, Fr. Vial stresses that genuine discernment requires a foundational level of psychological maturity. This maturity consists in “conforming [one’s] thoughts, memories, imaginations, emotions, and aspirations to whatever is God’s Will” (2). Only this inner freedom enables a person to discern God’s call without being dominated by selfish desires.
Once a person has begun cultivating this maturity, he can turn to the act of discernment itself. Fr. Vial identifies three common ways in which God may call someone to a particular vocation:
1. Sudden Enlightenment.
A moment of clarity—or even revelation—that calls a person with urgency, much like St. Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus (23–24).
2. Sensitive Attraction.
A fascination with the things of God that draws a person toward a vocation. Here, the primary danger is allowing feelings to overshadow reasoned reflection (24).
3. Reasoned Vocation.
A person recognizes through rational reflection that he can serve God best through a particular vocation, whether religious life or family life. Unlike the previous two, this mode relies primarily on deliberate, thoughtful discernment rather than emotional impulse (24).
Whatever form a call takes, Fr. Vial emphasizes that it must be tested by prayer, intention, and personal readiness. Though the advice to “pray more” may sound familiar, he insists that prayer—especially contemplative prayer—is essential; without it, we give God little room to speak (23).
Purifying one’s intentions is equally important. The primary motivation for pursuing any vocation must be a desire to do God’s will—not the expectation of happiness, fulfillment, or status. Such happiness is not the goal but a side effect of aligning one’s will with God’s (27). Finally, discernment also requires assessing one’s aptitudes, including the maturity necessary to shoulder the responsibilities of the vocation being considered (26).
For those struggling to understand God’s call, Psychology of a Vocation offers a holistic and accessible approach. Drawing on his clinical experience and academic background, Fr. Vial provides practical guidance for anyone seeking clarity in their vocational journey.
Image provided by The Rome Experience Program
