Originating in the heart of the Trinity,
Mystery of being chosen for
Gift of breath of life.
Mystery of being – in image and likeness of God,
Gift of life as person and mystery-gift of faith,
Illumination of Baptism, Confirmation – first
Gifts of sacred chrism.
Gift of innumerable occasions for Sacrament
Of Reconciliation – mystery of Divine Mercy.
Gift of First and innumerable Holy Communions,
Mystery of Oneness with Jesus.
Years of dark atheism and travels,
Mystery of encounter at Her shrine,
With Our Lady of Guadalupe
Gift of being brought by Her back to
Grace-mystery of faith.
Standing with head against the heart
Of Our Lady of Combermere,
Gift of Her asking Her Son to choose.
Mysteries of studies, gift of formation,
Suddenness of the day when asked if
Present, if prepared, answering the Bishop,
As heart pounds: “I am!”
Gift of ascent to ordination by bishop and
The people,
Gift of self through vow of obedience to
The Trinity, the Church, through the Bishop
Become thus Priest-Servant of every human being.
Gift of Holy Spirit’s fire in the silence
Of laying on of hands,
Vesting with stole and chasuble,
Mystery of anointing with Sacred Chrism,
Gifts of Bread and Wine given,
Stepping up to altar with bishop,
Fellow Ordinands assembled priests,
Now of the sacred-mystery of priestly
Brotherhood.
Three decades hence – gift of memory,
Gift and mystery of daily being.
Gift of mystery of as yet a mere
Beginner priest.
© Fr. Arthur Joseph
May 31, 2018
33rd anniversary of the Gift and Mystery
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