There was a time not too long ago when I was excelling in my career, thought that I knew everything, and felt I knew exactly what was good for me. Though I was materially happy, an inner voice began to nudge me, telling me that there was more to life.
Fast forward to a day in Greenburg, PA when I was returning to Pittsburgh after a rather tense and confrontational meeting. Money and greed seemed to rule my life. Driving home I kept thinking, “What is wrong with this picture? What is wrong with me?” Before I knew it, I found myself pulling into St Vincent’s Archabbey. At the time, I thought it was just concidence. Now I know that was Divine Intervention.
I went into the chapel and was the only person there. I knelt and poured my heart out to Jesus. I told Him everything: my seventeen hiatuses from the church; my promiscuity; my self-centered approach to life; and my focus on relativism.
While I was deep in contemplation and discernment, a monk came out and began playing the organ. I was in a place of such deep prayer and emotional connection with God that hearing this music was one of the most profound experiences of my spiritual life.
When I got up and turned to leave, there was a Benedictine Priest three feet in front of me. Without even a second thought I blurted out, “Father, it's been seventeen years since my last confession will you hear mine?”
Without hesitation he said to me, “Welcome home, son.”
I will never forget this moment of complete relief. I felt like I was welcomed home. I have felt at home in the Church ever since. As they say, the rest is history!