I have been praying for you since I received your message.

If you have run away from Christ in the past and dont want to do so again it is time to start walking toward him. If God is calling you to the priesthood, he is beckoning you along a path and a journey that has several stages.

Priesthood cannot be understood, accepted or lived outside of the context of a very specific understanding of the Fall and Redemption, Baptism, Grace, the Sacraments, and especially the nature of Christs Sacrifice and how it is made present to us today. The priesthood is centered on the Eucharist and it is derived from it. So I think the first step Christ is inviting you to take is the discovery of these truths to a new level.

It is mysterious the way he works in our hearts. We think we are the ones pronouncing his name, and then we discover that without him we couldnt. We think certain things will be impossible for us to believe in or do, and then he gives us his grace and everything becomes possible. We think we are progressing and are the greatest, and our petty faults humble us and show us who we really are. So, start with a prayer, tell him you are beginning in his name because you believe he is moving you to, and you trust in his grace to lead you and give you the strength to say yes to what he gives to you and asks from you.

And then start off on your discovery. Learn about the faith, go to speak to Christ present in the Eucharist and ask for the gift of the Holy Spirit to understand his Revelation. You will see that it will take you to the faith of the first apostles, the early Church Fathers, and those who lived in and changed a pagan world, many by shedding their blood.

It is only by taking one step that you will discover the next one he wants you to take. Let him lead you, and have no fear for what is ahead.

God bless.