It is one of those things you always know is coming, but some how it jumps up to surprise you. When I joined the Legion, it was because I thought God was calling me to be a priest. I have gone through years of study in preparation. It has always been in front of me. I have passed from stage to stage consciously.
However recently, it seems to have gotten so close so fast. It is like after climbing a mountain when you finally get to the ridge and see the peak.
I had seen many ordinations – diocesan, Legionary, and one for the Oblates – in my ten years of Legionary life but the one last July was different. All of a sudden, it seems close. It was the biggest ordination I had seen with 42 deacons but the priestly ordinations back in December were about twenty more.
It wasn’t even when they entered as I have been to diocesan ordinations where those being ordained entered the seminary after I did.
They are my companions, the brothers who sat next to me at breakfast and asked me to pass the coffee, yet they are now ordained. Maybe this is what has changed.
Now I only have two years to prepare, and I doubt with 100, I could ever be ready for such a grace – I know I could never be worthy. Somehow God will prepare me and protect me. I ascend the altar on his schedule not my own. Such a path requires prayers, please pray for me.
