Stephen Tilley

Intermountain Catholic

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I remember when I first began to discern the priesthood. I was working as a hospice aide at the time. Although I had found happiness while serving others as an aide, I did not find fulfillment. I knew that God was calling me to give all of myself to Christ, but I was plagued with doubt and fear. An overwhelming sense of unworthiness flooded over me. How could I be called to give everything to Christ? Does God not know how weak and sinful I am?

During this time in my discernment, Pope John Paul II passed away. Before his death, I had never realized how profound an impact he had made on my life. He was an example of selflessness and service that inspired me. Most importantly, his message, "be not afraid," spoke directly to my heart.

Through his message, I found the courage to respond to Christ’s call in spite of my fears. I knew that Christ was calling me to deny myself, take up my cross daily, and follow Him (Lk 9:23).

And, responding to God’s call in my life, I received the sacraments of the Eucharist and Confirmation on Easter Vigil 2006. I entered the seminary in the fall of 2009.

During my time at the seminary, I have realized that my vocation is simply a recognition and response to God’s grace and love. This call is shared by all the faithful. Jesus Christ’s selfless and sacrificial love for us is the foundation for our relationship with God and with one another. We must recognize the image of God in all of our neighbors, and we must respond to them with the same love that Christ has given to us. This call is demanding, but we should ‘be not afraid’ because Christ’s grace gives us strength.

Stephen M. Tilley is studying College IV at Mount Angel Seminary in St. Benedict, Ore.