Say thank you!

Some of us will be attending an anniversary Mass today for our pastor who is celebrating 40 years as a priest.  He is among those many priests who love their priesthood and this milestone is a great joy in his life. 

In the past 10 years or so the priesthood has been deeply wounded by all of the scandals caused by some. The majority of priests are faithful and they have been deeply hurt by their brothers who have committed scandalous crimes.  But they persevere and we are the recipients of their valor and love of  God and of the Church. What would we do without the priesthood?  The Evil One hates God and it is his great goal to destroy the priesthood because when the priesthood goes so does the Eucharist. As he offers the Mass the priest is there in persona Christi – in the person of Christ.  At the Consecration Jesus consecrates the bread and wine into His Body and Blood through the action of the priest!  This is not pious thinking – it really true!  How awesome is the priesthood!  

Most ordinations take place at this time of year so your parish priest is probably celebrating an anniversary.  Please take the time to write a note to him and thank him for giving his life to the Lord and to the Church.  Thank him for making it possible for you to receive Jesus in Holy Communion, to be forgiven in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, to be anointed with the Sacrament of the Sick.  Because of their dwindling numbers many priests live alone and can be prone to loneliness.  Their hearts would be greatly encouraged if they know that you are aware of their sacrifices and that you are grateful.    Perhaps you don’t particularly like your parish priest because your personalities clash.  But don’t be too quick to judge or presume you know what he is going through.  Whatever the difficulties let God handle them.  Our Blessed Mother loves her priests; perhaps you could say one "Hail Mary" each day for your parish priests.

Have a look at the Catechism of the Catholic Church regarding the priesthood.  http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c3a6.htm#1580

And especially http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/05/15/barron.why.celibacy/index.html?eref=time_us