Called by God: A Theology of Vocation and Lifelong Commitment

A burning theological and pastoral issue of our times is that of vocation - not only priestly and religious vocations (or the lack of them) but also marriage and singlehood. In Called by God, Francis Kelly Nemeck and Marie Theresa Coombs offer an invigorating theology of the mystery of vocation and lifelong commitment from an evolutionary and relational perspective. They first reexamine the mystery of God’s will as it bears on vocational discernment. Next they explore several biblical notions converging on that theme: chosen, called, and consecrated. The authors then discuss at length the development of vocation and the unfolding of vocational consciousness necessary for a lifelong commitment. Lastly, Nemeck and Coombs present insights into further vocational progress, once mature commitment has been established.

Marie Theresa Coombs lives as a canonically recognized hermit at Lebh Shomea, a contemplative-eremitical house of prayer in the desert of South Texas. She earned a Ph.D. in theological studies from Graduate Theological Foundation, Donaldson, Indiana. Besides coauthoring several books on prayer and spirituality, she is a frequented spiritual director.

Fr. Francis Kelly Nemeck, O.M.I., has taught theology in the United States and Canada, besides having missionary and pastoral experience in Texas and Mexico. He earned a doctorate in spirituality from Les Facultes Catholiques de Lyon in France. Since 1974 he has served as director of Lebh Shomea, has authored and coauthored several books, and is a frequented spiritual director.