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Mr. Brian Shook
Collegian
Franciscan University
Steubenville, OH
Describe your relationship with God.
In the past few years I simply began to cry out to God. I desired to come into contact with the God of wonders I found in the Church and in scripture, with this Being who holds all other things in existence, who united Himself with us and saves us from the horrors of our own sin through the loving sacrifice of Himself on the Cross. I wanted to know intimately the Father who loves all his children, the Son who took on sinful humanity to show us the way to champion over death, and the Spirit whose power moves all things in this world. My relationship to God is always changing. It’s the slow process of falling in love with the Lord of Creation who is passionately in love with me. All that I have learned about God’s providence, His might, and His sacrificial love has astounded me. Most especially when I gaze upon the Most Blessed Sacrament, God Himself given to us, I feel my heart moving inch by inch closer to him. It becomes easier to do His will each day, because each day I fall more deeply in love with Him.
Why did you decide to become a seminarian?
One of the most shocking things about entering into a relationship with God is realizing that He actually wants you to do something. I found that the salvation of souls was the whole point of God’s plan and of our lives in this world, and that God wants us, the Church established by Christ, to work for our own salvation and bring the saving power of Christ to every member of the human family. I would have been more than happy to become a strong faithful husband and raise a family for the Kingdom, but early on in high school I began to realize, initially to my dismay, that God may desire something else of me. I am a seminarian for the Diocese of Manchester now because I came to understand that my own plans for my life would not bring me joy if they were not part of God’s will, and that the life and work of a priest resonated deeply with the gifts that God has given me, and with the things that bring me true joy. I am where I am now because through many hours of prayer I’ve come to believe that God has me right where he wants me. I’m excited and terrified to find out what he’s got in store for me next.
What is your favorite pastime?
I’ve always enjoyed doing things outdoors, getting as far away from civilization as possible and tapping into the struggles of living outside of luxury. Camping is a great way to put the stresses and needless hassles of suburban life behind you, connect with the beautiful world God has given us, and live off of your own labor.
What is one thing you wish to say to the Catholic faithful of this diocese?
If I have any insight at this young age it is that God is a huge fan of using the broken and the weak to change the world and convert hearts to Christ. Maybe that’s because that’s all he’s got to work with. Anyway, I have heard many friends and family talk about how lost they feel in their attempts to preach the Gospel, and act as though it is only the responsibility of the holy leaders of the Church to defend and teach the truths of God. To them I say that there is no person too sinful to repent and begin to live the Gospel in daily action. A truly devout Catholic Christian can soften the hearts of even the most lost and hateful people. The Pope, his fellow bishops, and his priests are meant to send the laypeople of the church, all 1.2 billion of them, out into a suffering world that is longing for Christ: the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Whether I become a leader of the church or a layperson working in the world I will do everything I can, sinful and ignorant as I am, to bring people the love and salvation of Christ, and I expect all of the faithful at my side to do the same. |
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