One of the images I used for the holy cards I had made for my ordination depicts the conversion of St. Paul. The icon shows one of the men traveling with him leading him by the hand through the gate of Damascus.
This has been an apt image for me to meditate upon in my first year of priesthood. I entered the Priesthood of Jesus Christ on
June 9, 2007 not knowing where it would lead me. I had to trust wholeheartedly in the guiding hand of Our Good Shepherd, in the Spirit with which He anointed me on the day of my ordination, and in the protection and prayers of Our Blessed Mother.
The first year was not always easy, in particular, trying to figure out how to juggle the many demands on my time. But through it all, I knew God was with me, guiding me according to His purpose. All I had to do was remain faithful to Him and to my calling.
And He did not disappoint. God has blessed me with greater patience and humility, and I have grown closer in my relationship with Our Lord through prayer, the celebration of the sacraments, and preaching.
My first year of priesthood has done many things, not least of which is convince me that this is exactly what God wants me to do with my life.
