A Grace We All Need: Final Perseverance
As of now, I am currently in my first semester of theology school, working to obtain my Bachelor's Degree in Theological Studies. This is a strange jump, if you know my background of Emergency Medicine, but this degree pursuit has been a long time coming (since 2013). When I returned to the Church in mind and heart, one of the first prayers I petitioned God was for me to "change the world." Now, after many joys and sorrows, I can safely say that a degree in theological studies is the start to this change, especially a change in myself.
Ever since my return to Catholicism, I have had a growing love for all things theologically Catholic. From the most basic things to the most nuanced topics, I have had a desire to make God known to everyone I could. Now, looking back, I realize that this degree is the way I'm going to be able to do so.
During this first term (as each semester is broken up into two terms) from January to March, I have been taking classes dealing with Catholic Doctrine/Theology as well as Human Nature/Ethics. Each of these courses, in one way or another, provide me the necessary introduction to teaching theology to others (I don't know if I want to teach at a school, but I want to teach theology somewhere).
Next term, from March to May (roughly 10 weeks), I will be doing a series of theological classes dealing with the New Testament and the Sacraments. Strictly speaking, this is most likely going to be my favorite semester thus far. My love for the Bible as well as Sacramental Theology knows no bounds. I paired these two classes together, seeing as they complement each other really well. You can find the founding of each of the seven sacraments in the New Testament, hence why the class paring.
If things work out, i'm set to graduate March of next year with this Bachelor's degree. Whether or not I pursue a higher level degree than this, the future remains uncertain.
However, one thing remains true: theology makes my joy complete.