Viriditas2: Soul Greening
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
After working at the Bishop Museum for some time and meeting regularly with a spiritual director, I spoke with my pastor about my growing sense of a call to the priesthood. Since I already had a master’s degree, he suggested that I attend a “Come and See” event at the Newman Center.
When I called the parish, the secretary mentioned that a new pastor was arriving and that no one had signed up to be directed by him during the retreat. Since I did not know anyone there, I simply said, “Sure.” That priest was Jesuit Father Russell Roide, who later accompanied me throughout my discernment process.
A well-known Jesuit saying is, “Community is the cross that we all must bear.” Yet community is also where we discover some of our greatest joy. That is what first attracted me to Jesuit life. After a long day of work, we do not simply go home alone. We have an intentional space where we pray, eat and share our commitment to the same mission together.
I entered the Jesuit novitiate in 2010, and two years later I made first profession. I have now been ordained a priest for four years and am currently completing tertianship, the final stage of Jesuit formation.
The way Jesuits receive their missions has evolved. In the old days, Jesuits did not know where they were being sent. They waited for assignments to be posted on July 31, packed their trunks, and then left for assignment. Today, there is more conversation with our provincials, who discern where our gifts and skills are most needed.
My new mission is to work with faculty and staff at Gonzaga University. During regency, the period before theology studies, I taught philosophy to sophomores there, so I am now returning in a different role.
At the heart of Jesuit life, however, is prayer. In the fall of 2010, I made my first 30-day retreat in complete silence. We could only speak with our spiritual director and perhaps briefly at Mass if serving as lector. Even a short retreat can feel intimidating. Silence leaves you alone with yourself and with God. Today, with constant noise and distractions, stepping away can feel even harder.
Recently, I made the 30-day retreat again, and it was completely different. Back in 2010, my relationship with Jesus was still very new. Prayer was about getting to know Him. Sixteen years later, it felt more like spending time with a close friend. Other Jesuits told me, “Of course it feels different. Your friendship with Jesus has grown.”
One daily practice that continues to ground me is the Ignatian Examen. Before entering the Jesuits, I used the “Pray As You Go” app every day while discerning. For me, the Examen is ultimately a prayer of gratitude. At the end of each day, I look back, notice at least one thing for which I am grateful, and thank God for it.
Sometimes I also recognize moments where I fell short or acted in ways that drew me away from God. Then I simply pray, “Tomorrow, God, help me do better.” Over time, the Examen reveals the patterns of our lives and helps us grow more aware of God’s presence in all things.
Father Matthew Yim is a local Jesuit priest from Niu Valley.