Let me tell you a story that comes to mind when someone asks me, “Have you thought about the priesthood?”
It was my confirmation day, Sunday April, 24, 2011. As I stand there after being baptized and confirmed into the Church, Fr. Jim introduced the new members to the congregation and invited them to come up and congratulate/welcome us. One older gentleman, sauntered up and shook my hand and said, “I’m so glad you’ve joined the Church! Your next step is seminary!”
“Whoa, dude! Calm down…” was the only thought that ran across my mind. Fr. Jim gave me a look that said, “I told you!” Fr. Jim also told me that if I wasn’t married a year after my entry into the Church he would throw me into seminary himself. Thank God that hasn’t happened yet! I fought with the Lord about even the thought of being a priest but I’ve softened my stance quite a bit since then. Not that I am head over heels about the idea, I just have learned to never say “never” to God.
With me becoming more enthralled and enamored by the history and beauty of the teachings of the Church, I’ve begun to go out and talk about my conversion, lead bible studies, and even teach religious education classes. This has only garnered more questions of my becoming a priest. I remember going back to Fr. Jim and having a long discussion of why a single, lay male is always pushed towards the priesthood. Truth be told, I struggled to talk through tear soaked eyes.
Have we gotten to the point that I can’t live out my duties as a Christian Catholic and not live out a vocation as a husband and a father? I’ve never once been approached and told, “You’re going to make a great husband one day.” Or “We need more husbands to be as on fire for the faith like you.”
On one of the very few dates that I’ve been on, we went to the Cathedral to pray before going out for lunch. She went to pray in front of the statue of our Blessed Mother and me, in front of the statue of St. Joseph. As I was praying, another older gentleman tapped me on the shoulder and asked, “Father, are you the priest of this church?” I looked up at the crucifix on the high altar and just giggled, shook my head and told him I was not the priest of this church.
If God is calling me to become a priest, I’ll gladly go. Now granted, I would need a FaceTime call from him but, I’d answer it. With God taking into consideration my free-will, I don’t think I’m being called there. I still have a passion in my heart to become a husband and to lead a domestic church and to get them to heaven. I know, I know… I shouldn’t test God.
Gentlemen, I need y’all to step up and live out your vocation as head of the household a little more seriously. What’s that mean?
- Take your faith seriously. Lead your family to church, don’t get dragged there like you’re the 10 year old kid that would rather sleep in. Be the role model that the kids around you need. We’ve been leaving that part to our sisters in Christ long enough! Can I get an amen, ladies?
- Lead your family through prayer. Whether it’s the rosary or spontaneous prayer.
- Be proud of making the sign of the cross in public. Your kids are watching you. Your kids will do as you do.
- Read scripture at home with your family. Talk with them about how applicable it STILL is in our world today.
You can do it! If you are already doing it, great for you! If you’re not, NOW is the perfect time to start. This season of Lent is what it’s all about! Reach out to a friend that’s doing it and just ask him or her for help. Ecclesiastes 4:9, “Two are better than one…”
Seriously though, I’m not looking to become a priest yet. I’ve met with the vocations director of the diocese and expressed my views on the priesthood and we’re both praying for a clear answer from God. Until then here are my excuses for not becoming a priest:
- I’m not cool enough.
- I don’t have a shepherd’s soul.
- I’m not humble enough.
- I want to get married and have my bride be a real woman and not the Church.
- I want to have kids of my own. Like a whole wrestling team.
- I don’t think the celibate life is for me.
There you have it. I’m not a priest and I’m not thinking of becoming a priest… yet.
Gentlemen, it’s time to be real men of faith!
Disciples At The Ready 