A GRAIN OF WHEAT

I recently learned that a very talented and well-liked priest from a neighboring parish is leaving the priesthood to get married. The news was very suprising to everyone who knows this man. He was a very good priest and from all appearances was very dedicated to the priesthood. While I wish him all the best, I cannot help but wonder why he decided to leave the priesthood.

Unfortunately, stories like this are not at all uncommon. The dedication to the priesthood does not seem to be as strong as it once was. Maybe it is the culture of today, but I don’t buy that. I’ve always thought of priests as having innumerable blessings given to them by God to help them lead their flock. I don’t think that God’s blessings can be overpowered by culture. I think the main problem is that more and more people are disregarding their duty on certain matters. And I’m not just talking about priests. We all fail in our obligations at one point or another. When it comes to priests, however, the consequences of this neglect can reach far and wide.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not condemning anyone who seeks a change. I only hope that priests who are considering leaving the priesthood take the time to weigh the consequences of their actions. I hope that they seek the cousel of others. I hope that they pray and ask for guidance from the Holy Spirit. I don’t think that wanting to get married is a sufficient reason to leave the priesthood. Priests are called to make great sacrifices in order to lead people to God and this should be seen as a blessing, not an obstacle.

Priests are called to lead and counsel people, but sometimes the congregation must do the same for the priest. Support your priest through prayer.

Most gracious Heavenly Father,

We thank you for our for our faithful priests and bishops, whose spiritual fatherhood and example of fidelity, self-sacrifice, and devotion is so vital to the faith of your people.

May our spiritual fathers be guided by the examples of Saints Peter and Paul, all the Apostles and their saintly successors. Give them valiant faith in the face of confusion and conflict, hope in time of trouble and sorrow, and steadfast love for you, for their families, and for all your people throughout the world. May the light of your Truth shine through their lives and their good works.

Assist all spiritual fathers, that through your Grace they may steadily grow in holiness and in knowledge and understanding of your Truth. May they generously impart this knowledge to those who rely on them.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

This weekend I got into a pretty heated argument with my sister. I don’t even remember what it was about, but the subject is irrelevant. We both said some hurtful things. I love my sister and we hardly ever fight, but I don’t know what got into us this weekend. We parted ways without making up.

Later yesterday, as I was sitting in Mass, I began to think about the relationship between brothers and sisters. It dawned on me that as the older brother, I’m suppossed to be patient and forgiving, not mean and spiteful. I think that everyone has a duty to his or her family, and that duty comes from God. We may at times fight over petty differences, but we are supposed to be charitable and loving to everyone, especially family. I did not feel very good about myself once I had this revelation.

As the priest was holding up the Holy Eucharist, I almost cried. I begged for forgiveness. I had never felt so low than I did at that moment, and I’ve done some bad things. I found peace and called my sister and apologized. She forgave me and apologized as well. The thing that struck me was that when I apologized, she said, “Thanks. That means so much coming from you.” I never realized that my opinion of her meant so much to her.

If you have siblings, be patient. Do not make the mistake that I made and attack them when they expect trust and understanding. I thank God for openening my eyes and heart to my relationship with my entire family.

Does your job have a tendancy to suck the Faith right out of you? Mine does and I hate that. Sunday is great. I always feel close to God on Sunday, but Monday I feel out of touch with Him. Why is that? I don’t work with bad people. Everyone is nice and relatively considerate. I think that it may be due to the politically correct atmosphere in the corporate world. Everyone is so afraid to mention God. I think that is a real shame. As often as we are all at work (most of us see co-workers more than we see our own families), we should feel more comfortable in regards to faith.

I had an amazing thought yesterday as I sat in Mass. I saw people of different colors, ages,  and sexes coming together to worship the Lord. It occured to me that these people don’t exist only on Sundays. We are out in the world trying to live out the message of Christ. Whether we are making your burger, writing you a ticket, bagging your groceries, or cashing your check, we are everywhere. And on Sunday we come together. I guess that is a comforting thought for when I’m feeling like my job is draining me.