Theology 1: That's a Wrap

Theology 1: That's a Wrap
5/15/2022

Good Morning All,

It has been a bit - I guess you could say it was a busy semester. As I write this, I am sitting in the Rectory of my home parish in Algona, Iowa, listening to the audiobook Gone with the Wind. The semester finished up this week and yesterday we celebrated Graduation Ceremonies for the Deacon Class and the Pre-Theology 2 Men. Hard to believe that was me, just a year ago. 

When I look back on this year, it is shocking that it is over. It felt like only a semester went by. Meaning the year flew by. The year was one of great growth and personal learning. Overall, Theology 1 was a great year, but it did have some challenges. 

In regards to my issues sleeping, as I have discussed previously, I am still waiting to have a full in-clinic sleep study. Hopefully in the next few weeks. All in all, I have been sleeping better and I certainly seem to have more energy than earlier in the semester - which was very welcome indeed. After months of struggle, prayer, and reflection, one lesson has become clear. God has been showing me how to slow down and accept that my deeds are not what matter. I have often held the belief that people liked me because of my accomplishments and deeds done. This year, I have learned to simply "be Jake" and not "do Jake." God, my family, and my friends do not love me or spend time with me because of my accomplishments or my deeds. They spend time with me because they love me for who I am. God works in wonderful ways and I am glad that he is teaching me this lesson now, before I work myself to death later in life. 

At the beginning of this year, I was worried about who I would spend my free time with. My Jesu Caritas group form the previous year was gone and our class added many new faces. I found myself presently suprised. The new members of our class have become some of my greatest freinds, along with the remaining members of our original Pre-Theology Class. I found a new Jesu Group, which proved to be quite as fun and joyful as my previous group. The group consisted of two deacons, one man in Theology three, and myself. We were able to offer each other support and personal wisdom to wallk through the year. I will miss them all dearly next year, and will have to join another new Jesu Group. Again, in the midst of my doubt, God provided this year. 

As I look towards the Summer, I am filled with excitement and some nervousness. I will be attending our Diocesan Quest Trip to North Carolina at the beginning of June and doing some other small things. The biggest part of my summer will be a 30 Day Silent Retreat at Broomtree Retreat Center in July. While I am excited for this opportunity to spend 30 days in the full presence of the Lord, 30 days is a long time of silence. There will be a brief respit in the middle of July - for my sister's wedding!!! - which we are all very excited about. I am sure the Summer will fly by as well - time does seem to go faster the older I get. 

God is Good! Prayer is Beautiful! Trust in Him!

Blessings and Prayers to all of you. Thanks for reading.

Pax et Bonum,
Jake