Jackson Kiser
I think there will be a point in everyone’s life where they will realize how unfulfilling the world is. Once you discover that something is missing, you must go out. Over time, you must abandon the life you had in pursuance of the life you want or feel called to live.
From a young age, I can remember not believing in God. Despite going to church with my family, playing sports in Christian leagues, and even attending youth groups, I never felt the presence of Christ. As I grew older, this unbelief turned into disdain. Without actually doing any research, I gradually came to the conclusion that Jesus was not real and all organized religion was bad.
In a low moment, I decided to just give Jesus a try. Why did I do this? I still have no idea. I had no idea who He was or even why I was giving Him a shot. At this moment, I had an encounter with Christ. Fast forward a few weeks, I began attending a very nice Protestant church. Over time, I began to yearn for something more, something concrete.
I was reluctant to explore other churches back home, and of course I never go to a Catholic Church (famous last words). On vacation after a week of touring Spain, I felt an incredible pull to attend Mass. I walked in, sat down, and was completely in awe. From this day forward I decided that I was not missing Mass, and on the plane ride home, I started looking into how I could become Catholic.
In June, I had my first opportunity to actually be a pilgrim alongside Father Leo and his team at plating grace. Why would I fly to Baltimore to be with this “social media priest” for a weekend? I have no idea. In prayer I decided there was a reason I was asked to come, I went. It was here that my idea of Catholicism was turned upside down. Going out has led me to discover so many unique stories of conversion.
It was only in writing this that I realized that my life in Christ had been a series of pilgrimages- going out in pursuit of Christ. Can you imagine the life you might have if you tried to be a pilgrim everyday? By fleeing from comfort we learn more about ourselves.