ABSTRACT

This paper examines the ongoing crisis of religious vocations within the Catholic Church through the lens of Genesis 2:5, using both the historical-critical method of exegesis and the analytical method of research. The vocational decline in priesthood and religious life, particularly in Western nations, poses significant challenges to the Church’s sacramental, pastoral, and community functions. Employing the historical-critical method, the study explores the theological and cultural contexts of Genesis 2:5, revealing a divine-human partnership where vocations, like the natural world, require both divine provision (rain) and human effort (cultivation). Through the analytical method, the paper synthesizes historical, cultural, and theological insights, offering practical recommendations for addressing the crisis. The research emphasizes a balanced approach between prayer for divine intervention and proactive efforts to cultivate environments conducive to vocations, advocating for a rethinking of vocation management that prepares the “ground” for future growth within the Church.