Living out one’s vocation with joy can serve as a powerful example to others, according to a reflection shared in the November 2025 issue of “Into Your Hands.” The author recalls his experience as a young seminarian at St. Agnes of Bohemia parish in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood, where he encountered the Mexican birthday tradition known as la mordida.

Describing la mordida, he writes: “This custom is a playful Mexican birthday practice wherein the birthday person’s face is pushed into the cake for the first bite, often accompanied by guests shouting ‘Mordida!’ and resulting in great laughter, memorable photos, and enduring memories.”

He explains that while most people might be surprised by such an act, its roots are in love and community support. “The mess that one is left with (a face covered in cake and frosting!) can be a fitting reminder to the birthday boy or girl that life’s journey will be messy. With each passing year, we are invited to take a big bite out of life and choose to live fully engaged in the adventure with which God has blessed us.”

The author draws parallels between this tradition and responding to God’s call: “God calls each of us to a moment of surrender, to give ourselves over to the purpose for which God has made us, whether that be through the priesthood, religious life, marriage, or the single life. Our vocational call comes as a gift from God through the community that surrounds us. Theirs are the voices inviting us to take the bite, Mordida!, and give ourselves over to God’s call, regardless of the mess or even humiliation that may come with it.”

He acknowledges societal challenges in discerning vocations: “In a culture that generally puts personal freedom above all else, we may struggle to discern and give ourselves over to our life’s vocation. If we look around, we see that fewer of our neighbors are seeking marriage or considering a call to the priesthood or religious life. Yet, while the world around us might find it odd to surrender ourselves to God and commit to others, doing so results in life’s greatest joys.”

Reflecting on his initial reaction to la mordida—finding it strange—the author notes how understanding traditions can foster connection: “That birthday tradition became for me a celebration of life and a reminder that no one should live alone or isolated. As I have allowed my own face to be shoved into a cake, I have experienced the joy of being loved by others, who have encouraged me to embrace my vocation and experience the utter sweetness that a life well-lived can offer.”

He concludes by emphasizing witness through joyful living: “By joyfully and faithfully living out our vocations, we become witnesses for others. We must be bold in revealing ourselves and our Catholic traditions to the world around us. As others come to know us and see the commitment with which we live our vocations of marriage, holy orders, consecrated life or single life, they too might choose to embrace our traditions. Our vocational witness today may serve to invite others tomorrow to be unafraid, trust in God, and take a big bite out of life.”