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A Father Is the Servant of the Family

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The Domestic Church Part II:
What if I Am Single?

by Brian

In my first article I talked about the family's role as priest, prophet and king. I thought I would address those who are single, but find themselves called to the vocation of marriage.

From personal experience, I know how difficult it is to feel called to a particular vocation and yet be in limbo because things have not fallen into place. This can be very frustrating, especially if you are called to the Sacrament of Marriage. In a situation like this it is always important to remember that through Baptism we are called to be apostles. Apostleship is the foundation of our mission in life whether we are single, married or religious.

Waiting for God to lead you to the Sacrament of Matrimony can sometimes bring about what I call the "mañana factor". The "mañana factor" is when you continually tell yourself - "tomorrow is when I begin my quest for holiness"; and yet tomorrow never arrives. Holding on to mediocrity, one waits until they are married to work toward a life of perfection with their spouse. It is an easy trap to fall into - compliments of Satan - putting off your invitation to be an apostle until your vocation as a married man or woman is finalized.

If you are single, but feel called to the married life, I believe you are in the perfect position to grow in holiness. With fewer responsibilities and more time on your hands, than someone who is married with a family, it is a great opportunity to spend more time in prayer, more time reading spiritual classics and going to Adoration and Mass more frequently. It is also an ideal time to devote your energy to building the Kingdom of God by participating in different apostolates within the Church.

The bottom line is - don't wait until God finally calls you to the Sacrament of Marriage to be an apostle. Be an apostle now! When the time comes and God calls you forth into marriage you will be spiritually ready to help yourself, your spouse and future children along the road to salvation.