Fr. C. X's Spiritual Direction Interview

Introduction:

Two years ago, on my thirty-eighth birthday, I had a spiritual direction session with Fr. X. Fr. X, at the time of this meeting, had been my spiritual director for the past year and a half. Each seminarian meets with their spiritual director either once or twice a month in a private meeting room. Each room has three chairs and a coffee table in the center. These rooms are dimly lit with lamps, and there are usually several religious pictures on the walls. My director, who is in his early sixties, typically sits diagonally across from me in our sessions. He is a fit man who is always dressed well. His usual attitude is one of joy and seriousness. He generally either has a smile or a serious look about him. On this particular day,
X still has a serious look on his face, and he is still using a stern tone of voice.) You’re thirty-eight years old C., and what do you have to show for it?

C.5: (At this point, I feel flustered.) I know that I am older and that I have not completed a university degree. I also recognize that I don’t have a lot of material possessions or money. However, I’m quite happy with my life the way it is.

X.5: That’s right, you’re thirty-eight, and you don’t have anything to show for it. What are you going to do if you don’t make it through your formation to become a
X’s question. I still feel awkward and confused by his line of questioning.) I haven’t given it any thought because all that I am thinking about right now is becoming a priest. As for my accomplishments, I think of St. Francis of Assisi; he didn’t have any material possessions. As a Secular Franciscan, I’m not interested in accumulating things. Recently, I’ve been trying to simplify my life. I have been giving away several things that I don’t use. I’m not worried about my future Father because I know that God will help me.

X.6: (Fr. X is still looking very serious.) C. you’re not getting any younger. You need to stick to something. What kind of future will you have as a priest?

C.7: (I pause for a few minutes to think.) I hope that with God’s grace I will be a good one. I agree with you Father that I haven’t completed a university degree. I don’t think that a degree makes a person a better priest. I recognize that I need one to become a priest. I also acknowledge that I struggle academically.

X.7. That’s right you struggle, and all that I see you doing at the dinner table is talking with your fellow seminarians. You really like to talk a lot. You need to work harder. What time do you go to sleep