Enduring Yes: hearing God in the everyday

By Fr Kenwyn Sylvester, Director of Vocations

“He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much.” —Luke 16:10

When we speak of vocations, it’s easy to imagine a dramatic moment—a booming voice from heaven or a divine revelation that sets everything in motion.

But in truth, the journey to discovering one’s vocation, especially to the priesthood or Religious life, is rarely about a single life-altering event. Instead, it’s built on countless small yeses whispered in the quiet of the heart.

Reflecting on my path to the priesthood, I can see now that my “yes” to God did not begin with the big decision to enter the seminary. It started with a simple desire to be close to Jesus—nurtured daily in prayer, silence, small acts of service, going to Mass, and being present to the people around me.

In those seemingly ordinary moments, God’s voice was heard most clearly—not in thunder or spectacle but in the gentle, persistent stirrings of the heart.

For many young people discerning their vocation, giving their life entirely to God can feel daunting. It may feel as weighty as changing a career, getting married, or entering a lifelong commitment. And in many ways, it is.

But we often forget that the strength to say that big ‘YES’ comes from a habit of saying yes to God in the little things: prayer, service, listening, silence, and love.

Discernment: the art of trusting God’s voice

In To Save a Thousand Souls, Fr Brett A Brannen reminds us that hearing God’s call isn’t about waiting for a flashing sign. It’s about building a strong relationship with Jesus so His voice becomes familiar.

That voice may not be audible, but it will become recognisable through peace, clarity, and a sense of rightness that settles in your spirit. One priest beautifully put it: “Discernment is not a science. It is the art of listening and responding to God, not with absolute certainty but faith and trust.”

Like many discerners, I once told my parish priest, “I think God is calling me to be a priest, but I am waiting for a sign.” He lovingly reminded me that signs do not always precede action. Sometimes, the movement of the Spirit in prayer, and the confirmation that comes through quiet faithfulness, lead us forward.

Creating space for God to speak

To hear the Lord’s voice, we must first make ourselves available. In our noisy, fast-paced world, creating time for silence may feel countercultural—but it is essential. Prayer, attending Mass, Eucharistic adoration, and Confession are not simply “holy habits,” but the sacred spaces where God gently invites us deeper.

Are you wondering what God is asking of your life? Start by asking: ‘Am I making space for Him to speak?’

God speaks in silence, in Scripture, in the Sacraments, and in loving community. The question is not whether God is calling—but whether you are listening.

A vocation begins with discipleship

It’s easy to focus solely on ‘the call’, but before we are called to the priesthood or Religious life, we are called to be disciples. Faithful friendship with Jesus is the soil from which a vocation grows. Your first step is not to apply to a seminary or a convent, but to pray, trust, and love Christ daily.

Each time you choose prayer over distraction, forgiveness over resentment, or service over comfort, you choose discipleship and say ‘yes’ to God’s plan for your life.

Will you say ‘yes’ today?

This article is adapted from one of the themes explored at our recent Discernment Retreat on March 29. The retreat, rooted in the wisdom of To Save a Thousand Souls, introduced an itinerary for discerners seeking to discover God’s will.

In coming articles, we will share more insights from this journey—insights we hope will help you say ‘yes’, one step at a time.

So, dear discerner, do not be afraid if you feel even the faintest stir in your heart. Begin with a small ‘yes’. Say ‘yes’ to prayer. Say ‘yes’ to silence. Say ‘yes’ to the Sacraments. These yeses prepare your heart for the bigger one—the one that says, “Here I am, Lord. I come to do Your will.”

The Office of Vocations is here to provide guidance on your journey. Email us at vocations@catholictt.org or call (868) 499-0302 or 473-9806. Let us walk with you as you listen for the voice of the Shepherd calling you by name.