Being Chosen

Being Chosen

The first weekend after returning to seminary, the house went on retreat to a Salesian center and convent in Newton, New Jersey. We take this journey every year; once in the Fall semester and once in the Spring semester. We spend our Fall weekend there preparing for the upcoming academic and formation year; in prayer, in community, in faith.

This year’s retreat was thematic and presented vocations through the lens of the independent show – “The Chosen.” The show follows the 12 Apostles, Saint Mary Magdalen, and an array of New Testament figures encountering and responding to Christ’s call, throughout the Gospels.

For me, spending time reflecting upon the journeys of faith and the variation of answers, experiences, and personalities of the disciples was distinctly beneficial. Whether it was Peter’s brashness, Matthew’s awkwardness, or Nicodemus’ curiosity, Our Lord never ceased calling them. Jesus rather strengthened them in their weaknesses and renewed them in Himself. In grace, Peter is bold for the faith, Matthew is calculated and observant, and so on. Christ forms those He calls. And that is what I, and the rest of my brothers are here to experience.

So with that in mind, my reflections continued to draw me deeper into the essence of seminary, formation, and the likes. It is easy to get caught up in the house jobs, the schoolwork, and the business of it all, without taking time to account for the mere blessing of the calling. That the discernment, the vocation, the calling is all a blessing and truly supernatural. It amazed and humbled me to consider my own encounter and calling; which is ultimately a calling to imitate Christ. The priesthood continues to make Our Lord present among us and carry out His ministry to the ends of the Earth. And, if we are sincere, no fault, no anxiety, no power can make us stumble in that call. Our Blessed Lord qualifies those He calls, with such abundant fulfillment, faith, and love.