How does Philosophy prepare me for my Theological Studies?

Since the day I study philosophy, I am always in the confrontation with questioning and never-ending quest for an answer to my fundamental queries about myself, and my vocation in particular. I can never neglect the fact before I entered the seminary, I am still doubtful and hesitant to claim that priesthood is my main vocation. But years of undergoing formation studying philosophies and applying it in my daily living, I can certainly say that I am meant for priesthood. Through philosophizing, I gradually open my eyes about the richness of my daily experiences where the mystery of God reveals. Philosophy serves as a way that guides me towards a meaningful life. Contemplation and reflection before deciding things are the basic values I’ve learn from my studies. Philosophy helps me in my endeavor in trying to understand and comprehend the mysterious invitation of God.   

My life and its very meaning, the values that I have to live, and the decisions that I have to make, depends primarily on how I uses my knowledge with the help of philosophy. Philosophy helps me in discovering my real self and in setting goals for authenticating it and in pursuing those goals I choose. Philosophy in one way or another, opens my mind to new horizons and to many possibilities of life. It helps me to broaden and enlightens myself about the true meaning and purpose of my existence. Philosophy helps me not just in understanding myself, recognizing my capacities, and knowing my limitations. It also helps me to accept and make it as an asset in responding the call to the priesthood. Indeed, philosophy has a great factor in my discernment towards priesthood. Philosophy develops my capacity to judge things not just by mere introspection but rather by keen philosophizing.   

             Generally, philosophy serves as my main asset in configuring my mind and heart to the mind and heart of Jesus. It serves as one of God’s instrument in understanding deeper His invitation to me. God’s call is so mysterious.  Philosophy helps me to understand the reality that I can never fathom the reality of God no matter how I tried to comprehend and elucidate it. However, my conviction to answer God’s call becomes stronger because of the influence of philosophy. I know who and what God is, not because of what others say but of what I have experienced personally. Indeed philosophy strengthen my faith and my desire to follow the footsteps of Christ. And because of the knowledge I have been inculcated, I have come to believe that I am ready to face another years of formation - a theological formation. Philosophical studies prepares me not just intellectually but holistically. I am prepared not because I am fully equipped but because I am open to be corrected and to be formed.