Word to the Wise
Friday, May 24, 2019 - 5th Week of Easter - Fri
[Acts 15:22-31 and John 15:12-17]"It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give you. This I command you: love one another." [John]
I am frequently asked why I "went into the priesthood?" I usually answer that the idea wouldn't leave me alone so I entered the Dominican Order and was eventually ordained a priest (May 22, 1971). I can only say that it wasn't my original goal when I went to college, which was to finish law school and go home to practice law with my father. So, when Jesus says, "It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you...." I can testify to that truth! 48 years of ordained ministry and 54 years of professed Dominican life still leave me wondering!
If we are people of faith, we are being called. Thanks goodness it is not all who are called to celibate religious life and/or priesthood! The source of vocations to the latter would dry up quickly! The old hymn says, "Softly and tenderly Jesus s calling...." Well, he can be persistent at times, and had to be with me. I did, indeed, eventually finish law school, but only after ordination! First things, first, I guess! Think about your own calling. Maybe it will leave you wondering as well! AMEN