‘Every high priest is taken from among men and made their representative before God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal patiently with the ignorant and erring, for he himself is beset by weakness, and so, for this reason, must make sin offerings for himself as well as for the people. No one takes this honor upon himself but only when called by God…’ ‘Take courage, get up, Jesus is calling you.’”
May we adapt the words of Hebrews today, to reflect upon God’s call of all to be disciples, and in particular, the call He has made for some to the ordained priesthood.
We all know many priests. We remember the priests from our youth in parishes, teaching in school, present at family celebrations and moments of sorrow. Some had a special charism of friendliness, others were somewhat shy and retiring. Regardless, those called by God to the priesthood had one particular goal, to become holy and lead others to God. The priest who was present at a special moment of joy, celebrating a sacrament as baptism or marriage, or a priest gathered with a family in a hospital or hospice setting, probably made a lasting impression. Each one was called to make Christ present at a special moment.
The post Vatican II church has seen a drastic change in the number of priests who serve our families. Our society does not support the values that a priestly vocation requires. We sometimes fail to affirm or understand our priests or support just the idea of one responding to God’s call to His service. Sure, we have our priest today, but what about tomorrow. Have I encouraged someone discerning his vocation? Do I spend time in prayer asking the Lord that others will respond to His call to serve? Do I walk with my priest sharing in His ministry and expressing appreciation for that which he alone can do, celebrating the sacraments and making Christ present to His people who are hungry and in need?
Please pause and pray for the priests who have touched your life. Pray for the priests of your past life who have died. Ask God to raise up strong people to His service for the church of tomorrow. Listen in your heart to see if God speaking to you, as the people said to Bartimaeus ‘Take courage, get up, Jesus is calling you.’
