There is a form of asceticism (or is it mysticism?) unique to seminarians. Yours is not, at least not yet, the life of public, full-time ministry, with all its challenges and rewards. No: yours is the unsung, often unnoticed, spirituality of academic life and religious preparation, wherein you demonstrate genuine love today toward those you will not meet for another decade—or more. That’s tough; but for those called to it, it is precisely what makes the life of a priest so good, so loving, so wonderful. Delayed gratification, and yes—suffering—are the means by which the power of the Cross softens the hard heart, and makes the loveless lovely. When you finally show up at the parish, you’ll be ready to speak God’s Word in both the triumph and tragedy of people’s lives; both can be moments when grace turns the eye of the soul to what really matters.
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