On June 12, 2021, I celebrated my first anniversary of priesthood ordination. It is an great opportunity to stop and reflect, not only on the gift of the priesthood, but also upon the many gifts, blessings, and moments of learning that happen along the way. As I give thanks to God for this year of grace, it is a good moment to share just a few different “points” that I have picked up along the way:
- First, there are many, many blessings in the priesthood. Every day this past year (with the exception of Good Friday), I have celebrated the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass at least once. I’ve baptized several infants and children. I’ve given several people their first Communion. I’ve heard an innumerable number of confessions. I’ve prepared couples for marriage, and then celebrated their weddings. I’ve spent hours teaching in classrooms. I’ve administered the Anointing of the Sick many times. I’ve celebrated funerals. Yet, I truly cannot boast in any selfish way about any of these things. It’s all part of the duties and responsibilities I have been given in being ordained a priest. That said, though, I still have to boast in God’s goodness for the beauty of each of these moments. Am I perfect in doing any of these things? Certainly not. However, I still have to marvel in what I am called to do, and strive to do my best to cause others to encounter Christ each and every day, through each of these things.
- Next, a priest never truly stops learning. Even after graduating from the seminary. Much like a secular profession, priests spend a lot of time on the job learning, reading, and reflecting, whether it is in trying to grasp at greater theological depths, working to approach old topics in new ways, or simply trying to further understand the infinite riches of scripture. I could have been tempted in the past to think that formal instruction stopped at graduation. However, it seems that most all of the days I’ve experienced are filled with new topics, challenges, and information. Our faith is truly amazing and beautiful, and as a priest I am always trying to relay this amazement and beauty with a passion and with vigor, whether at the pulpit, or in any way that I can.
- Also, the people of God are truly amazing. If I’m being honest, as a priest, I’m frequently in awe of the people of God. Many of you have a lot going on in your life. There are struggles, there are challenges, there are magnificent and joyful moments, and then there are moments of sadness and turmoil. Yet, what do you do when you face these challenges? What happened when Covid-19 gripped the world with fear? Many of you showed us that there is no other alternative than to turn to God. As a priest, I cannot tell you how wonderful I think that your witness is. Sure, we always strive to be there to help when we can, especially with the sacraments, and we try to be witnesses of the same things. Yet, the amount of resilience that so many of you show is impressive, and awe-inspiring it is to see you strive to grow in your faith and in personal holiness. It often challenges and encourages us as well!
- Finally, without God’s help, the priesthood would simply not be possible. Often, a priest’s day is filled with a variety of different things. We celebrate Mass. We meet with many different people: sometimes in good circumstances, sometimes not so good, and often in the same day. We could be celebrating confession one minute, and be in the classroom the next. We write homilies, we read, we do paperwork, amongst many, many other things. Yet, what is the one element that always binds it all together? Prayer. Morning, noon, and night, a priest’s life is constantly filled with prayer, and for good reason: we are going about God’s work, and without a constant line of communication, that simply wouldn’t be possible. Does that mean our prayer is constantly easy to do, in the midst of everything else? Is it always perfect? No. Often we do get busy, and sometimes prayer is dry, just like anyone else would experience. Nonetheless, it remains a constantly important element in our spiritual lives, as we seek to help others grow in theirs as well.
The past year has been filled with many, many things, and these four small points are just a few of the countless things I’ve learned. Yet, through it all, I still am learning just how grateful I am to God for this great calling, and I am still seeking to live up to the high calling of the priesthood as best I can.
As always, remain assured of my prayers for each of you, and I humbly ask that, even though one year has gone by already, that you continue to keep me (and all priests) in your prayers as well!
You are a blessing to our Parish.