In the most trying of times, people have a special openness and sensitivity to God’s help and assistance. It is now when we humans realize our dependency. We are dependent on God who hears our calls, comes near to us, and assists us in the best way possible. He does this through the Church and through the words, actions, and presence of priests. The priest rooted in faith remains peaceful when the rest of humanity around him grow anxious and weary. The priest can be a witness of the hope that this situation will end. What is most important in life is spiritual health, to be in friendship with Jesus Christ who is Lord of the living and the dead. Priests’ work facilitates this relationship, by offering Mass to shower one’s parish with the grace that comes from each offering. Priests offering Confession allow one to receive the forgiveness of the eternal Father. The priests’ teaching and selfless example offer a powerful witness of hope that echoes beyond the boundaries of parish or diocese!
Another image for a priest is that of spiritual physician. Perhaps this time awakens us to our own spiritual needs and spiritual wounds. As this virus seems to spread through contact, our sinfulness spreads through our unkind words and loveless actions. Unfortunately, our sins can have an impact that far exceeds the spreading of this disease. Jesus knows this perfectly. He came to save us from sin and bring us to eternal glory. He established the Church and sent priests in his name to forgive people of their sins and grow in imitation of the loving Father. This is really good news. Priests have the incredible gift to offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation to reconcile sons and daughters back to their heavenly Father. What a privilege! What a gift! The holy example of a parish priest can offer an attractive example to be spiritual fit, spiritually strong, spiritually healthy. When we know firsthand the freedom of a life in grace that following Christ offers, we grieve deeply at our friends, neighbors, coworkers, and classmates who do not know the Father, Son, and Spirit. Many of us know the power of Confession by having received the grace of being forgiven. For me, offering Confession is one of the most attractive parts of future priestly ministry, which now seems just around the corner.
If you are reading this and considering a priestly vocation, this is the time to step up and accept God’s invitation to a deeper friendship with you through a life of service. Adult living involves major commitments, whether it be marriage or priesthood. Look around; see the longing of our peers for direction and orientation to a life rooted in Jesus! More importantly, listen for the still small voice of the heavenly Father who loves you and wants you to find fulfillment through a vocation of self-sacrificial love of Christ and His Church. Do not be afraid. Just have faith.
Latest posts by Father Peter Gallagher (see all)
- Priests as Witnesses of Hope and Spiritual Physicians - April 1, 2020
- Shepherds - December 24, 2019
- A Taste of Ordained Ministry - September 17, 2019
