Hello Brother. I asked this question a while ago, about Priests and Martial Arts, and I'm not sure if you remember, but I am writing in a kind of victory because I am at the point in my discernment right now where not only am I willing to give up martial arts if I have to for the priesthood, but I think I am actually going to do so voluntarily whether or not I have time and/or allowance for it. Instead, I will dedicate all the rest of the time I then gain to strengthen my preaching and ministry to Christ. Perhaps I may administer a kind of apostolate of some sort instead of doing martial arts. Or a similar kind of time investment. Who knows.

In short, I am writing this response because I had been praying for my vocation, along with other people, and it has grown perpetually stronger as a result. I want everyone in this forum to know the true power of prayer and the love of God. A full daily relationship with God is so strong that it can slowly replace what used to be a full-blown passion into passion for nothing more nothing less than His will.

This response is a statement of encouragement, also, for anyone reading this who is in discernment for the priesthood. I promise you, there is nothing more impending than answering what you perceive as a call from God, and little more important than praying that you achieve maturity with this. Jesus asked us to leave behind all our attachments, even as lay Christians, but especially as aspiring clergy and/or monastics.

God bless.