by Matt Wiering

My mom tells me that when I was little I would play "church" with my stuffed animals. Playing the role of the priest, I would drape a dish towel across my shoulders, distribute communion (Ritz crackers and grape juice) to my rather inactive congregation and, out of necessity, chew and swallow for them. I’ve always dismissed this tidbit from my distant past as mere childhood nonsense, but after the events of the last six months of my life I see it differently. That silly game I used to play just might have been a foreshadowing of God’s plan for my future.

One year ago I would have scoffed at the suggestion that I would make a good priest. And I did plenty of scoffing. It seemed like every other day someone would make mention that I should consider the religious life. "Thanks, but no thanks" was my usual response. I just wanted to get married and have kids and live the stereotypical life that society smiles upon. Deep down inside I was in flight mode, fleeing from the frightening prospect of taking that giant step, going against the grain. I tried to ignore God’s incessant knocking. But all the while a voice in my head seemed to be saying, "You can run, but you can’t hide."

Last September I found myself as a freshman at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. Then God started knocking on my door again. In all of his subtle ways, all roads seemed to point toward the priesthood again. Somehow I knew that God wasn’t going to quit knocking; I would have to open the door.

It was at Mass one afternoon at the seminary that I heard God speak to me. Now it wasn’t with any audible voice, but I could "hear" it in my heart. Father Bill Baer, the seminary rector, had just given a homily about answering God’s call in our lives. My mind was flooded with images of my family, my friends, my gifts and talents. I was overwhelmed by how much God had blessed my life. What was my call? And then something amazing happened. The choir began to sing the Magnificat, Mary’s song of praise. The words resounded through my mind: "Holy is your name through all generations! Everlasting is your mercy to the people you have chosen, and holy is your name." God spoke in my heart. He said that he wanted me to say "yes" to him like Mary did. And for the first time in my life, I really wanted to be a priest. It’s hard to put into words now, but I felt so filled-filled with joy, peace, and a love beyond all understanding.

I realize now that my stubbornness in listening to God’s call was no match for God’s efforts to make me listen. I am now at the St. John Vianney Seminary, it’s a great place. Right now I’m at peace knowing that I am in the right place, at the right time, and that’s all that God asks.