Review article
Process of vocation and creation of a new self image. Analysis of St. Francis’ of Assisi vocation according to Franciscan sources
Siniša Balaić
Abstract
This text analyses the developing process of self image. The
analysis is based on the experience of St. Francis’ of Assisi process of vocation according to Franciscan sources and starts from
the psychological and human experience of one’s self. Discerning the basic elements of this process the analysis does not
dwell only on humanistic approach. Namely, the confinement of
humanistic psychology to the relation to the self – it often confines itself only to the needs of the self – goes beyond and opens
to the Infinite, which is not a simple dimension of the self, but
an ontological openness to God.
In that process of growing in openness to God all human
abilities and capabilities are being involved. Growth helps not
only to go beyond one’s personal psychological boundaries, but
to change and create new life possibilities and new self image.
The text takes into account the positive experience of vocation as
a global phenomenon: vocation is characterized by the fact that
it takes into account the integrity of the person and the response to the calling that does not ignore the good of the person. In
fact, the analysis of Francis’ vocation reveals a dynamic process
which directs the person to a gradual change of the relationship
with oneself and God, which leads to the maximal self-realization, not to the loss of the self. That process, through which all
dimensions of the person and life goals are being revealed and
crystallized, clearly points to the change of the self image, which
is important for a clearer image of one’s vocation and relation
to God.
Keywords
Francis of Assisi; process of vocation; ability to discern; creating self image
Hrčak ID:
169171
URI
Publication date:
24.11.2016.
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