Theology 2: Fall Semester Complete

 Theology 2: Fall Semester Complete
12/28/2022

Merry Christmas Greetings,

Looking back at the Fall Semester, I can honestly say, it has flown by...truly flown by. I am not sure where it went. It seems strange that another set of classes is finished, finals are over, and Christmas has already come and gone...

Overall the Fall Semester was full of many blessings and new realizations of the ways in which I am loved by God and by those around me. After many years of anxiety being a major part of my life, these past few months have been graced by less and less anxiety. As a continual result of some graces from my 30 Day, my anxious thought patterns have lessed and my brain is not longer hot wired to be cosntantly on the go. While it has been an adjustment, life has taken a much calmer and slower pace than in previous years. I have found myself amazed that I am still able to accomplish things with out my brain and body running 100 miles a minute. It has been refreshing. 

Throughout this semester, my parish assignment has been at a parish in North City, St. Louis, a largely African American Parish. The experience has brough with it many beautiful opportunities to share the faith and learn from others about their faith. A big part of the my assignment is taking communion to various people who are homebound. Each weekend I visit with a different person or couple on a four week rotation. It is one of the best parts of my week. Bring Christ to people who cannot leave their homes, gives a person a different outlook on life. Even though these people cannot make it to Mass on a regular basis, they are so faithful and intuned to what is going on at the Church. I pray that each one of us may have the same level of faith that my homebound parishioners have. 

Classes went well for the most part - each one of them had its own challenges and successes, but overall they were all enjoyable. Greek was by far the most challenging course I took this semester. Having to learn another alphabet proved to be a difficult task for me. But by the end of the semester, I was able to understand most of the things that we discussed. Hopefully I do not forget all of it over the Christmas Break. 

The longer I am in seminary, the more I understand the importance of a grounded spiritual life. To be a diocesan priest, in a small rural diocese, a man has to be totally grounded in his own spiritual life and in his relationship with Jesus. For a priest, the relationship with Jesus is essential. Since priests are unmarried, Jesus becomes the person you share your innermost feelings with - thoughts, fears, worries, struggles, you name it! Jesus is the one we pour our hearts out to. In turn, Jesus pours himself out upon us. As I progress through formation, my relationship with Jesus continues to deepen and strenghten. I am content to spend hours alone, in the silence, with the Lord. With the Lord, what else can a person need? 

As we continue the Christmas Season, it is my hope that all of you continue to grow closer to the Lord and you continue to turn to the Lord in all times and seasons. May God Bless each and everyone of you and your families and may you have a Blessed New Year! Thank You all for the support and prayers as I continue my seminary journey. 

Pax et Bonum, 

Jake