Paths to Padre: A Seminarian's Journey

Behold the Man June 28, 2021 I know it has been only two weeks since my last update, but I thought it would be good to share some overall thoughts from my expereince during June.  Ecce homo, Behold the Man This line comes from the Gospel of John, Chapter 19. It comes right after Pontius Pilate had Jesus scourged. He is then presented to the crowed covered in wounds, crowned with thorns, and draped in a purple cloak. He is at one of the lowest and weakest points of his earthly life. After a month of reflection, it only seemed fitting that our program was called Behold the Man . We were challenged to confront our own weaknesses in order that they be healed. Your wounds can be healed if you confront your weakness. Through the healing process, we are then able to help others through their pains. The past month has been one of deep prayer, personal reflection, and a chance for fraternity.  As was mentioned in my previous post, part of our program was an 8 day silent retreat, which ...

God is in Control; I am NOT God! June 14, 2021 As many of you know, for the month of June, I am participating in a program at Kenrick called "Behold the Man". This program is meant to orient everyone entering Theology 1 in the Fall to the life and rigor of formation here at KGS. It is also meant to help each one of us learn to listen for the voice of God more clearly in our lives. As part of this experience, we were blessed to have an eight day guided silent retreat. Having just completed the 8 days in solitude, I thought it would be a good time for an update.  At the thought of spending eight days in silence, with no phone, computer, iPad, iPod, TV, or any other technology, and also not having conversation with anyone but a spiritual director, many people are immeditately shocked. Common repsonses are: "You are going to spend 8 days not talking?"; "Jake, are you even able to keep your mouth shut for that long?"; "What do you do that whole time?"...