I was in tears as I watched Cardinal Ratzinger emerge from the Conclave as Pope Benedict XVI. First, Cardinal Ratzinger's theology was a major help and inspiration to reconciling with the Church. Secondly, it was an answer to a prayer. As many of you know, Cardinal Ratzinger bounced back after failing his doctorate the first time around.
I am in danger of doing the same. In the last month it has become more and more evident that I cannot maintain my status as a full-time writer and canonist, and also pursue a doctorate. My doctorate is suffering big-time as I struggle to keep our family financially afloat. We've been hit with a couple other financial setbacks as well as the university shuts down family housing (thus increasing our monthly rent in what is already Canada's most expensive city) and some emergency medical expenses -- (you would be surprised what socialized health-care doesn't cover.)
Up until Pope Benedict XVI was elected, I was giving serious consideration to dropping out the doctorate at the end of this semester. Since I already have a licentiate, it is pretty easy to find full-time work. Nevertheless, I prayed for a sign from God. This is it. Both my wife and my spiritual director agree, and after speaking my parents I will be biting the bullet and undertaking large student loans (which I have avoided doing up until now). In practical terms, this means I've seriously got to curtail my outside writing, activities, private correspondence....and blogging over the next year.
Thanks for understanding. I may not be in as regular contact with all of you (I get around 400-600 emails a day), but I will keep all of you in prayer. Please pray for our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI.
God bless you for this, and I just want you to know that I am still paying off the loans from my MSN (Acquired 1996).
Do what you are called to do.
+ Prayers from here, Peter. If your sign is clear, God will provide. JP2, ora pro nobis!
[This comment has been deleted because it was advertising: and worse: unpaid advertising! -- RC]
Best wishes---we will keep you in our prayers and wait (maybe not happily)--but we will be here upon your return!
Bless you Pete! Follow God.
There are many of our out here who will be praying for you, Pete, as you untangle the tangles and meet the challenge of providing for your family, pursuing your education, and using your gifts as a writer. I know all too well what a juggling act this is. As my beloved old Papa used to say, "Be not afraid." God is with you! And with Benedict. And all of our prayers will buoy him, you, and the rest of us up. In Christ Jesus.
Rae
Wow! 400 to 600 emails per day! I can't even imagine.
Thanks so much for the wisdom you've shared with us. Wish you'd return to Scranton some day.