We’ve all heard the words. Perhaps it was in school, when we ran track or just joined in friendly foot races with our playmates. Perhaps it was watching a sporting event or playing a game at a party.
Ready, Set, Go. Whatever is coming up, first you get ready, they you set yourself in position, then you gooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.
For a Legionary, the ready part of the equation last a long time, typically 10 to 14 years. It is spiritual, intellectual, human and apostolic. It takes immense faith and hard work.
The set part is shorter, and comes with ordination to the transitional deaconate. For 23 Legionaries, that moment came Saturday in Rome. The step signals they have passed the ready period, the time of formation, and are set to begin the race. They are set for the next step, the big step that will define them forever.
In December, their ordination as priests will be the amazing “GO” of their lives – they will go into the world to preach the gospel to all the nations. The race will begin and last the rest of their lives. It may seem like the culmination of a long process, which it is. But the real game will just be starting.
I’m deeply grateful for the holy dedication of these men. And I ask you to keep them in your prayers at they wait at the starting line.
