I gazed at the full moon last night, the symbol of Mary. She shines the graces merited by Christ at Calvary to all people. To be a priest is to be another Mary. Offering my blood, my body, my very life for the sake of sinners, priesthood means to be another Christ.
Receiving the nails are taking the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, which bind me forever to Jesus crucified. The collar joins me to my bride; I wear no wedding ring besides the white that signifies my imitation of Christ chaste.
I cannot plan to live out the priesthood; I simply let the Holy Spirit direct me to the lost sheep. The priesthood is a business of persons; I purchase with sacrifice and love. The receipt is eternal life, where forever I will be offering praise and thanksgiving to God for so many graces.
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