Black

The deacons have finally returned, the teaching faculty members are back from their various escapades, and second semester classes have officially resumed (for the theologians, pre-theology began last week). Thus, as one scans the chapel upon entering for prayer, one will notice a preference for black clothing. However, this phenomenon is not entirely the result of the arrival of clerics in the community.

For Theology III, with the prospect of ordination on the horizon, one can hardly ignore the fact that a change of wardrobe will be necessary. One does not adopt an entirely black wardrobe overnight. One must do these things in small steps. Thus, as I look around among my classmates, there is distinctly more black. Black pants are the rage these days. Likewise, there were a surprising number of new, long, black coats hanging in men's rooms after their return from Christmas. Unlike Christmases of former years, there are no new ties (I have one tie, and have refused to buy another for several years now in eager expectation of a collar), and no new button down white shirts. The transformation from the lay state to the clerical state, begun when we entered formation for the priesthood and hopefully discernible in those around us for the last few years, is now taking on much more visible manifestations.

Pray for us, lest the distractions on the outside detract from the work that remains to be done within.