How to Discern God's Will (and Your Vocation) w/ Fr. Vincent Yeager

I chat with Fr. Vincent about how to discern God's will for your life. Check out the Franciscans TOR here: www.franciscanstor.org/
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[@cescheung754]

Thank you for doing these conversations!🙏 5 key elements: 1. Does it conform to God’s will? (Choose to love by God’s law and not just to follow your emotions) 2. Does it encourage conversion? (Is it going to make me as holy as I possibly can be? Because that is the goal of any vocation) 3. Consistency (how God has spoken in your life before this time - is this in the same pattern?) 4. How is it confirmed? (Should not be the first step) (Spiritual signs - is it from God or not? Wherein spiritual direction will be very important) 5. Conviction (in the heart; spiritual direction again will be very important; that your heart be set on it) Other notes: 1. Talk to people who have lived that life 2. Be attentive to God’s signs 3. Know that a vocation is a call to carry your specific cross 4. Recognise your freedom in discerning your vocation 5. The Lord puts people in our life to guide us in the direction he wishes us to go.

[@guest4888]

That’s so nice of you to condense it for listeners. God bless you!

[@andregunawan6881]

Thanks for condensing these, Ces Cheung!

[@MyLifeWithMary]

Thank you!!!

[@kattula76]

The main part is from minute 17:15 to about 44:25 although all of the interview is great!

[@LukaJNunez]

Thank you for these notes!

[@jdf6770]

This man has the most calming voice! Awesome!

[@SuperrBoyful]

Beautiful voice to listen to!

[@joelmontero9439]

Yes😂

[@gracehill1812]

Agreed!

[@takundamaruza707]

🍻

[@playrpaul8556]

He needs to go on Hallow or do his own ASMR channel

[@BalladOfLooks]

I was raised Protestant so you could say I'm trying / beginning to discern Catholicism.

[@Gangari_the_Wanderer]

Don't walk--run.

[@chasewood1380]

Where are you at with thag now ?

[@giannobong6778]

That’s great man- I’ve been there not too long ago and I could not deny the trueness of the Catholic Church.

[@idankpoaugustine1983]

How did it go?

[@Roniyeee]

Same I’m discerning between EO and RC, how r u going

[@carlosd4881]

Could you please bring Fr Donald Calloway to your show, I believe he is in Steubenville often. He is the author of Consecration to St Joseph. Thank you for all you do Matt, I will pray for you since you are bringing Truth to people!

[@jacobgunter8535]

He lives in Steubenville!

[@carlosd4881]

@@jacobgunter8535 Awesome!

[@MsYGV]

Yes please bring Fr. Donald Calloway! 😁

[@ericcabana310]

Pretty sure he had Fr. Calloway on his show. Check his old videos.

[@rsmyth75]

Daily prayers!!!! So important! As a recovering addict I had 10 yrs clean when I went on a pilgrimage to Yugoslavia and had a profound experience that made me go home and dedicate my life to carrying the message of recovery to addicts who still suffer and still live a chaste life! What fulfillment I’ve experienced but their were cross’s to bare

[@ajgaines3728]

Fr. Vince is the man. I remember knowing him through out a lot of his discernment, and he helped me a lot with mine. So cool to see him on Pints with Aquinas!

[@chrism.9516]

43:35 - “Anxiety is the dizziness of freedom.” Having options is good, but we can’t let that paralyze us. Pray, discern, then dive in.

[@orlandomiguelherrera4888]

Some are afraid to ask God what He calls them to do. They are afraid they might be called to do something they don’t want to do.

[@matheusf.alpoin3489]

I believe the opposite problem should also be stated: people who believe God is calling them for a state of life precisely because they don't like it. It is as much an error as what you stated.

[@katmorales9447]

In my years of discerning I have come to the conclusion that GOD would never ask of u something u do not want to to which means something u do not have in ur heart. Some might disagree with this and is ok. My journey in discernment is been these words “GODS will is in ur deepest desires” “that that makes u happy, is what GOD wants”. Very simple ☺️😲

[@Lauradahl-creations]

The single life feels like you're in a waiting room.... Waiting for your vocation... It often feels like a punishment. I know it's not supposed to be so, but that's what it feels like. Thanks for this video. ☺ Lots of great information!

[@sarahfebruary]

Becoming a Third Order Dominican in November. Viva Cristo Rey🌹

[@marcussfebruary9104]

Praised be Jesus Christ!

[@santiagogarcia5023]

¡Que viva! Felicidades

[@bbnoblebright]

This is just what i needed to hear. I have been in a perpetual state of overthinking about wanting to take my family to a distant parish with a more reverent liturgy, but feeling guilty about “abandoning” my local parish. This talk helped me realize that I want to do so because I love my family, want them to love the Lord, and because I want to praise him as my heart and conscience feels he deserves. Passed all 5 of the tests!

[@thunderthumbz3293]

Some people come to the opposite conclusion. Rebuilding your local parish is virtuous.

[@Xanaseb]

Fr.Vince is so sound. This was of great help, thanks! I am discerning the religious life. Leaning most towards the Marian Franciscans. Their life in Jesus and total devotion to Our Lady is beautiful and fits with me. However, leaving family close contact is the biggest worry I have. I've been assured that great fruits will come in their lives, but I fear I am abandoning them, nevertheless

[@angrypotato_fz]

Father Vincent is an excellent interlocutor - concise, smart, trying to approach topics with broad perspective, and also has a pleasant voice :) Great guest!

[@xvolumesx5146]

I’m orthodox but I love this interview! And his voice is so soothing

[@gianne4228]

I am discerning a vocation to the religious life.I am so glad I came across this interview..... FULL OF WISDOM!!!Thank you very much ! I am speechless as I kinda resonate to what Fr Vincent is saying... Something becomes clearer, and as it does I am not sure what I feel- excitement, fear and all these mixed emotions as the message unfolds...please include me in your prayers.

[@rogercarles1700]

How important would it be to bring vocational discernment into catholic schools and used it with teenagers! If I only I had not had to work for an atheist teacher who just put up chrstian decorarions to "please the parents" and make money as I had to! Thank you for the show! Loved it.

[@josheppard9429]

Perfect voice for tv and radio. Soft and soothing. 😊

[@daveciarametaro7934]

This is actually quite painful for me to watch. 42 and still waiting, and not for lack of effort. Please pray for me, thanks.

[@jatnarivas8741]

Might I know what are you waiting for?

[@daveciarametaro7934]

@@kubasniak well, I respectfully disagree, suffering is part of the human condition. Jesus chose to suffer because He loved me

[@johnkish6381]

@@kubasniak How can he both not exist and have abandoned us? Pick a position and stick with it

[@kevinmarshall59]

Smh my head, Matt, you need to watch "the right stuff" which goes through chuck Yeager breaking the sound barrier and the mercury missions. It's an excellent movie

[@adennyh]

Thanks for this beautiful conversation! Such a different feel to Matt's typical content :) Listening to Fr. Vincent and Fr. Gregory (who are both awesome) makes me even more appreciative of how diverse the Lord created and called each of us, yet we're all part of the same body of Christ.

[@milagrosamistoso9086]

Great topic, and thank you fr.Yeager is brilliant. God bless 🇨🇦

[@KeenanLacelle]

My experience with discernment is interesting...I've always longed for a wife and a family of my own ever since I was in kindergarten but I've always felt distant from the Lord because I felt guilty not going after the priesthood. The thought of the priesthood fills me with so much dread I become paralyzed emotionally and barely have the strength to live a flourishing human life. Much to the point even where I want to tell and scream at God in resentment. I've gone to discern religious life and my confesser and spiritual director both agree I'm not called to the priesthood or religious life yet I still sometimes struggle to have the permission to be happy, to grow and to flourish. This video so far, (not done it yet) is beautiful. Thank you

[@DennisMerwood-xk8wp]

Keenan my man. Please go get professional help with this for your own sake. And NOT from your confesser and spiritual director. You need help from somebody who understands the tyranny of religion.

[@KeenanLacelle]

@@DennisMerwood-xk8wp firstly I'd like to thank you for your honest opinion. I do need help you are right but I don't think it's necasarily the fault of religion. I spent a couple years not believing in God all to much and the same feeling of "I'm not allowed to have my hopes and dreams and be happy" just manifested itself in my feeling like I had no choice to go into the military and die in combat or something (haven't done either of those haha) so I do think it's more a psychological issue as opposed to merely religious but thank you for the input. Take care and God bless. I hope your liking Matt fradd's content at any rate

[@DennisMerwood-xk8wp]

@@KeenanLacelle Go get help man. There are plenty of people out there willing to help you. You have been taking advice from the wrong people.

[@Valthegal04]

Hey Keenan! Don't know if you'll see this but you don't need to feel guilty for not going after priesthood, God calls different people for different things, one isn't better than the other we all have a role to play! I say if you want a family in the future that is totally fine of a want to have, especially since it can bring glory to God in its own way, maybe God will call you to lead your wife and children in a Godly way to bring Him glory and that's totally fine too. Don't feel guilty about it, we all get to play a part in the kingdom and trust God with going wherever He calls you nonetheless God's will>ours. One thing is I'm wondering if you just feel incompetent or guilty and think you gotta earn God's love by your life or performance which isn't the case, God already loves you and gave His son for you, can't do anything to make Him love you any less or more. Hope this helps:(

[@gguer]

Thank you for opening up so vulnerably about your own story! I’m sure it can relate to many. it’s great that you have spiritual leaders in your life that have helped you understand and navigate those feelings and ideas. reflecting on my own experience, I think it’s also true that often we bring God into our own wounds/false beliefs about ourselves and life in general and suffer deeply because of that - and we get confused about God needlessly. it’s so important to heal those areas before we can commit to discerning a Big-V vocation and commit our lives to a definite state of life. God bless you in your journey!

[@iolandaandrade3745]

This was a fantastic conversation!! What a great guest! Thank you! May God bless you both!❤

[@daniellawo]

Thank you both! Great talk! Matt the talks you are doing are amazing! thank you!

[@sharonmary9204]

New here, I like the topic, discerning God’s Will

[@gracehill1812]

Boy and I'm glad they're having them! I love being a grandmother!

[@UWillSee83]

Proverbs 16:16 “How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.”

[@ernestgrouns8710]

An absolute joy to listen to, thank you!

[@deirdreohalloran4760]

He’s fab! Great video! One of the best yet!

[@Mariann758]

Soooo happy l found this channel! What a great information! What a great people ! Mya God bless you and hope this channel touches so many cold hearts !!!

[@sthabisozibani]

Wow...Thank You for this!

[@Anthony-vx6cs]

Loved this conversation. Father is one of those people who radiate with a holy joy that is tough to describe. It’s a beautiful thing.

[@Anthony-vx6cs]

And Matt, you’re freaking awesome. So thankful to have stumbled by you years ago.

[@cassierybka9200]

I was literally looking this up TOO. Ha! God provides. 🥰🥰

[@dariawargo6673]

Outstanding interview!!! Thank you both!

[@marcustantsungye103]

Thank you for the video! I am discerning maybe if I should become a mathematician/scientist for the Lord; studying mathematics in univeristy in hongkong now :D

[@Caleb2omega]

Why not James tour jew turned Christian , John lennox a mathematician wonderful examples

[@mancipiachristi9032]

This should be the standard conversation/questionnaire of priest and couple prior to marriage.

[@andypresby6537]

@1:23:25 a listener asks Matt why we (in the Catholic Church) seem to regard single life as just a period to get out of. I used to think we did but upon further reflection realized that, at least in my walk as a Catholic in the USA, I don't think it's the Church that does that ... it's my national culture that regards the single life as a thing to be gotten out of.

[@francescob3574]

Comment is a little old but I’ll reply given the topic and vocational importance. Single life has been advertised in our modern age as another “calling” or desired state of life, and it was never meant to be that. If one is being called to be single, then serious discernment should be in play towards consecrated life otherwise one should work towards the sacrament of matrimony. Holy Orders and Matrimony are sacraments and single life is not. Modernism at play with the number of single folks missing out on a sacramental life (I get that there outliers but it shouldn’t be common).

[@josheppard9429]

Perfect content for graduation time

[@michellemckenna8592]

Such a wise grounded man.

[@nellyblancaflor5559]

St Faustina has been rejected many times before she became accepted as a postulant.

[@nellyblancaflor5559]

@arivia456 . . Nnnnm

[@laurenk3287]

considering contemplative religious life!

[@josephmiller3672]

Me too! What orders are you looking into?

[@laurenk3287]

@@josephmiller3672 Carmelite or Poor Clares mainly

[@josephmiller3672]

@@laurenk3287 Calced or Discalced Carmelites?

[@laurenk3287]

@@josephmiller3672 Discalced

[@laurenk3287]

update everyone: I wrote a letter a while back just explaining my faith and asked for their prayers. They wrote back giving me prayer cards & pamphlet, inviting me to Holy Mass.

[@nancyandjackarndt5840]

Matt Fradd talked about marriage being really hard. “How to Improve Your Marriage Without Talking About It” by Steven Stosny and Patricia Love really helped me. And the book The Secret Language of Relationships by Gary Goldschneider. Good luck!

[@jdf6770]

Can you get Fr. Dave Pivonka on for the Charisms of the Holy Spirit?

[@marystermer5983]

Oh, yeah, we are called to carry a cross. We don’t want to think about that, or use it to hide behind. If we choose wrong and love the Lord, He will use us…

[@Mr._Anderpson]

The great thing about asking God to see a full moon is your prayer will always be answered within 28 days. I guess that's showing more patience than asking to see a sunrise.

[@antonmihail]

Jeez that voice. I’m wondering if it could be construed as a sign from god that I’m only able to imagine married life for myself? Maybe it’s how self absorbed I am. Regardless amazing talk, I’ve felt scared about discernment of religious life for a while but this talk put it into perspective.

[@rickazar9261]

Thomas Merton, to your point, acknowledged that the image of the desert hermit did have a place in converting us and taking us into the spiritual desert, however this inevitably is romantic and must be relinguish..we must walk by pure faith

For the men who are married and wondering if they might be called to a greater service for the Lord: have you thought about permanent diaconate?

[@simonslater9024]

Neither are easy to know. So I ask Our Lady,my guardian angel,St Joseph,St Michael,St’s Jacinta and Francisco and sister Lucia,and many other’s. God bless. Praise Jesus and Mary always!!! My heaviest Cross is not being with the woman I deeply love Erin May. I didn’t choose her the Holy Spirit did.

[@ChicagoIL50]

So I was once engaged and when it ended I knew at that point I was called to become a Third Order Carmelite. Being single is a little "v" in vocation.. Maybe the gentleman that was asking if he was single, is called to a third order. Everyone is called to marriage. 🙏🏻✌🏻

[@MartySarmaidoff]

Anybody got eyes on the pope that said the missionary work of the church would fail without the cloistered?

[@bradleygehlhausen712]

Not sure if this has been answered already, but what is the intro music from?

[@Tombuchaill]

If someone is unstable are they just doomed to drift through life?

[@ivanspaziano1977]

What if you feel called to a specific one, but you don't find the other part of the apple xd? I've come to the conclusion to accept of being an hermit, but still waiting for something like Godot

[@thebudgetinglizard]

Hello Matt! Would you be willing to do an interview with the TOR's on the preaching of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and its origins? I'm a student at FUS and have become increasingly confused on this topic over the few years I have attended the university. I don't know of any Church teachings on this experience or any confirmations from the Church Fathers on the matter. Thank you for all your videos and the work that you do! Also a side-note, you have a beautiful family, and it is a gift to see your family at St.Peter's and around town, be such a light to those around you, especially to those of us discerning Married and Family life as our vocation. Never forget that the Lord is always bearing His light through the example of your family! God bless.

[@DarkAngel-cj6sx]

Did you watch dr Pitre Brant videos? They may help

[@magnusmoron]

Hi Elizabeth, I’d encourage you to reach out to one of the friars yourself and meet. That way, you’ll be able to ask whatever questions you want!

[@snakeotter]

Unfortunately Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a Protestant error, grounded in American mediumism and spiritualism, which was popular in America during the early 1900s. Though I’m sure the TOR do good work I would stay close to the Church Fathers and Doctors, and be weary of the TORs teachings on this regard. Check out Teatime with the Mystics on iTunes for more info.

[@johnwinne8428]

@@snakeotter don’t quote me but I’m pretty sure Fr Greggory Pine has mentioned he has had the baptism of the Holy Spirit in prayer, and I know Matt has charismatic leanings, so I’d caution against immediately assuming it’s erroneous. Mark Goring and Catholic Truth are others that identify as “charismatics” who emphasis gifts of the Holy Spirit in the same manner Protestants do

[@myfakinusername]

I copied this text from my mother language into google translate so there is gonna be some gramatical errors. This is from a friar from my country who has been baptized in the Holy Spirit: Holy Fathers, Cyril of Jerusalem (5th century), Basil the Great (4th century), Gregory of Nazianzus (4th century), Theodoret of Cyria (5th century), John Chrysostom (5th century) In his catechesis they say that the experience of being baptized in the Holy Spirit was an integral part of Christian initiation. It did not belong to any private piety, but to a public liturgy. The Holy Church Fathers enumerate the many charisms that adult catechumens received during baptism on Holy Saturday. For example, in his five catechesis on baptism, Sts. Ambrose (4th century) compares the sacrament of baptism to a new birth in which the Holy Spirit is received in full. Augustine (4th century) Develops a theology of the actualization of the sacrament of baptism distributed to children. In his opinion, the Holy Spirit dwells in a small child, but he lacks the knowledge and worldly experience that needs to happen in adulthood. We find such teaching in the New Testament. In a letter to Timothy, the apostle Paul says, "Do not neglect in yourself the gift of grace given on the basis of prophetic statements, by the laying on of hands by the assembly of elders" (1 Tim 4: 14-15). We are all called to kindle the fire of the gift of the Holy Spirit received in the sacraments of initiation. Sv. Maximus the Confessor (6th century) states: "When the soul is baptized in the Spirit, it is in some way 'possessed' by God." By this he meant that Christians possess the Holy Spirit, but the Holy Spirit does not visit Christians.

[@anatoliankarabas8999]

the pilate maybe, jaeger is a fortified wine like a sherry or port

[@ircensko7324]

1:20:00

[@kathmediaDeutsch]

The name Yaeger is (almost certainly) a anglification of the German name Jäger (meaning hunter) which is a pretty common last name - one your ancestors chose to "englishify" upon emigration from German speaking countries. The downside: you are probably not related to a fighter pilot or a franciscan friar. The upside: Should you fall in love with another Yaeger it is unlikely that it would constitute a marriage impediment ;-)

[@ryanlister2433]

The bigger fear is rejection!!!

[@credimus6176]

I feel a call to give my life to God, but I don't know if it's for priesthood or monastic life. I know that in a monastery I can become holier, but I also feel a evangelical charity to preach and teach people, leading them to God. Both are good, but what is best for me? I really can't see. I hope with spiritual direction I can figure it out.

[@hallower1980]

The Dominican order is devoted to preaching and teaching. Check them out. I'll pray for you.

[@Bryan-ct2qm]

I second Mr Miller, that sounds like a call to Dominican life if I've ever heard one.

[@credimus6176]

@@Bryan-ct2qm in Brazil Dominicans are from Liberal Theology, so they support LGBT, ecumenism, hardcore left and stuff like that. Unfortunately that's not an option for me.

[@cindymmc.2869]

Best to get a spiritual director there are many orders. Some priests visit many before they commit.

[@hallower1980]

@@credimus6176 You might be right. Or perhaps God is calling you to battle, to reform of that order from within. More than one saint followed such a calling and ultimately renewed dozens of monastic communities. But you would know better than I if that fits your personal virtues and passions.

[@galileovenica6449]

He should narrate your horror stories

[@marthadarling6845]

It is entirely possible to be loneler when married than you ever were when single.

[@les_goddams4846]

The mustache is the 21st century version of the tonsure.

[@TheWhitePine5]

I couldn't listen to this quietly because the priest's voice was way quieter than Matt's voice.

[@alamedavigilante]

Fradd didn't know who Chuck Yeager is???

[@harpforGod]

Where in the Bible does it say God wills any man to be a celibate priest?

[@turnershelton7920]

Is it a mortal sin if you choose the wrong vocation? For example you think that there is a chance that God is calling you to priesthood but you don't try to discern it and get married instead.

[@roseh9193]

Nope

[@marinattysegura5844]

I think it is not, Turner. God respects your freedom and he will guide you to happiness and sainthood, no matter what. I felt the call to religious life. I attended it. I left the community two years ago (after 6 years). Despite that, I keep feeling something deep inside... And I'm just at that point where you say: why did the Lord call me? I didn't want that! I wanted the kind of life that "you dream as a little girl": to get married, to have kids, to have a dog... BUT despite I tried to forget about that religious vocation, it doesn't go away. 🥺 And... Nobody seems to be interested in discern marriage with me. #SoConfused 😓

[@rinjaminbutton]

@32:42 :')

[@deadslayerpl3480]

Sorry but I have to ask. Is he related to maybe EREN YEAGEEER!?

[@jppalves500]

The only freedom father fights for is the freedom from sin and death tho

[@cody7575]

Came here looking for this comment

[@cody7575]

Is Fr perhaps one of my kin?

[@gracehill1812]

I tell our kids that if u really want to die to urself......have children!

[@user-sd8vy1yb4r]

how to discern God's will? read the bible!

[@einarabelc5]

Must've been an easy engineering, probably Geological or Civil, nor Chemical or Electrical.

[@DennisMerwood-xk8wp]

The ultimate delusion! Not only assuming there is a "God". But assuming you can discern his will! Is there anything more futile in life than this? LOL

[@KeenanLacelle]

Well...suppose for a minute God doesn't exist. People inspired by God have done terrible things sure but many have also given their lives in dedication to the pursuit of all things good true and beautiful which whether it's true or not is an excellent thing. That being said there are plenty of rational arguments for God's existence. He's not a sugar daddy in the sky but the source of everything that exists and keeps it in existence

[@DennisMerwood-xk8wp]

@@KeenanLacelle "there are plenty of rational arguments for God's existence" - NO THERE IS NOT! "the source of everything that exists and keeps it in existence"- UTTER NONSENSE. As I said you have been listening to all the wrong people.

[@KeenanLacelle]

@@DennisMerwood-xk8wp hmmm I'd say checkout the 4 arguments Thomas Aquinas points out they seem fairly reasonable to me. May I ask why you are so passionately opposed to religion?

[@benhutchinson9808]

I would argue commenting on a Catholic KZbin channel with low level atheistic cliches is perhaps more futile.

[@SaintCharbelMiracleworker]

@@benhutchinson9808 👍🏾