Yesterday was "Priesthood Sunday" in the United States, a day set aside by the USA Council of Serra International to honor the priesthood, and to reflect upon and affirm its role in the life of the Church. I don't know if it was adverted to in your parish, but I'd like to offer these observations and suggestions, even if a day late.
There's no doubt that the priest, the pastor, plays a central role in the life of the parish. His leadership is key for indeed he presides not only over the Eucharist, but over the spiritual and temporal well-being of the faithful committed to his care. Without a deep relationship with Jesus, this cannot be done well. Without a contemplative dimension to his life, his actions will remain superficial and ineffective, his preaching, mere words. Fortunately, he is not alone. We, who also share in the priesthood of Christ by virtue of our Baptism, can and must be a support to him. Let us pray that the Spirit be at work in his life, let us pray that he listen to the Spirit; that rather than be a full time administrator, he be attentive to growth in holiness; that he give thoughtful and prayerful attention to his homilies; that he begin each meeting, each activity, each interview, with prayer so that what he says and does be what God wants. St. Marcellin Champagnat, St. John Vianney, good, holy and simple priests, followed this pattern. A good one for each of us as well.
Tomorrow, I will offer another suggeston. Let this be sufficient as a starter.
Peace all in the Spirit,
Bro. Rene
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