My desire to become a priest began as early as Primary 3. One morning, I walked up to my father and declared, “I want to become a priest when I grow up.” He was shocked, but simply said, “Okay.” As I grew older, however, that childhood dream faded. I pursued a degree in Business Administration at University of Nigeria, Nsukka, hoping to earn money and support my struggling parents.
However, I realized that the more I chased that worldly ambition, the more my health deteriorated. I became gravely ill-many feared I would die. Out of desperation, I was taken to places that did not align with my Catholic faith, and sadly, none of them helped.
Eventually, I returned to that early calling, my God-given dream, and that was when healing began. Today, by God’s mercy, I am alive and fulfilling that heavenly vocation. Praise the Lord!
St. Aloysius Gonzaga, whose memorial we celebrate today, faced a similar tension. His father wanted him to be a soldier and die with honour for his country. But Aloysius chose the path of eternal honour, serving God as a missionary. His name is now written, not in military records, but in the Book of Life.
St. Paul reminds us that true strength lies in weakness surrendered to God. He says, “I will not boast, except of my weaknesses” (2 Cor 12:5). And Jesus teaches: “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matt 6:33).
Dear friends in Christ, when we put God’s agenda first, every other good thing falls into place. If I had continued chasing my own plans, I might have lost both my life and the dream. But God gave me more than I imagined.
So, I encourage you: Choose God’s will first. Let his kingdom be your priority. He will take care of the rest.
