MY
I would talk about last week's finals but I don't want to relive the trauma...
So instead, I was reflecting on this upcoming Sunday's readings (well, tomorrow's readings, sorry for the late post) and these lines from the first readings stood out to me. "They [Paul & Barnabas] strengthened the spirits of the disciples and exhorted them to persevere in the faith, saying, 'It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.' They appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, commended them to the Lord in whom they had put their faith." (Acts 14:22-23) The apostles emphasize perseverance in the pursuit of holiness, particularly perseverance through difficulty. They say this in the context of the appointment of "elders," or in the Greek, "πρεσβυτέρους," transliterated "presbyters," the word from which we get the English word "priest." They pray and fast for those being appointed, or rather ordained. I know several men who have persevered through seminary and are about to be ordained priests and deacons over the next few weeks. The Diocese of Columbus, where my seminary is located, will be ordaining a new bishop on the 31st. This reading is a reminder for all of us, the church, to pray and fast for these men. I'd also like to encourage you to continue praying for those of us in formation, who need to persevere as we follow the Lord's call, and for those who are praying about whether to apply to seminary. It's a big step, but one I'm very glad I've taken.
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Catholic. Archives
July 2023
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