Snapshot of a classroom

The classroom windows were open to the hot, sunny air.  The concrete walls are mostly nothing but air, with white shutters that mute the daylight and let the breeze blow through.  The school is an active, vibrant place.  The children are full of energy and chat animatedly.  Everywhere students roam and play and work: boys in their brown collared shirts and girls in their purple skirts.

The moment that the class quiets down and leans forward is sweet.  I'm touched by their interest.  Of course they've asked why I want to be a priest.  I tell them that years ago I was taught by wise people how to really pray.  Not just to say the words but to really tell God how I was feeling, as a friend to a friend.  Not only that, but to sit in the quiet and not say anything... and listen for what God has to say back.  God speaks uniquely to each of you, I said.  Through symbols and images in your imagination.  Through the thoughts and feelings that surface in your mind.  And in your desires.

The more I talked to God, the more I felt it would be good to be a priest.  It's not that getting married and having children would have been bad; far from it.  But God has a unique way of calling each of us.  And when I ask God to help me to say 'yes' to His unique call, the response I have gotten has continued to lead me on this journey toward being a priest.

The students are bright and curious and interested.  I must pay careful attention and try to listen to them.  They have been very good in listening to me.