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Jesus is Lord of the living and the dead |
The process of becoming an Episcopal priest is a long and daunting one. I first sensed my call when I was sixteen. I was twenty-five when I was ordained. For nine years I trusted in Christ’s call upon my life, fully believing that I was created to be a priest.
And I still know this is true. Everyday of my priesthood there is something, some affirmation, that reminds me of who I am and why I am doing it. I am a priest. And I do it because God created me to do it.
That being said, my relationship with Jesus changed throughout those nine years. At first, I saw Jesus as an inaccessible, other-worldly figure. I was more afraid than anything else. As I matured I saw Jesus as a friend, a companion. I had moved from being afraid to being comfortable.
Now my creed is simple: “Jesus is Lord.” For me, this brings together what I used to think of Jesus. Yes, he’s powerful and glorious, but at the same time he is also loving and on my side.
Was I wrong at any point along the way? No, it’s just that my relationship with Christ changed. And that’s okay. What really matters is that we are able to take a step back and reflect. Who is Jesus in our lives? What’s his role?
Once you start asking these questions, you find yourself lost in a marvelous world of prayer.