Reflect: The Year of the Priest.

Reflect: The Year of the Priest.

THE YEAR OF THE PRIEST.

CHRIST THE REDEEMER

Welcome to my third post on 'The Year of the Priest' Series. Each week until end of June 2010, this series will provide food for thought on the Year of the Priest',examine  how we, as laity, can appreciate the gift of Priesthood in the Sacrament of Holy Orders, and encourage our priests in this special year. If you missed my last two posts on this series, why not take a look.

I wish to focus our attention on how we might actively help our priests. I will use the acrostic form P-R-I-E-S-T
 PRAY.... REFLECT...IMAGINE...ESTEEM...SUPPORT ...THANK 

Last week I commenced with PRAY.   You may wish to read the posts in the  Year of Priest series here.

REFLECT

 Let us continue with REFLECT.  

We all have our meanings and ways to reflect. I am defining it as 'to think quietly and calmly'.  So how do we reflect-'think quietly and calmly' on our priests?

Here is a suggestion which I have tried and tested over the years:

1.            Think well of your priest: I think about his involvement in my life's journey. I see it as a series of mysteries- some joyful, some sorrowful, some luminous- all hopefully leading to the glorious later on.

2.            Make a list of the priests whom God has put across your path: Over the years, I have had contact with a number of priests- some for work, some as acquaintances, some as close friends, some for personal spiritual growth, and of course some for sacramental life in the church.  I have discovered over the years is that each one falls under a category.

o        Preparing me for the journey (transitory relationship).

o        Travelling on the journey (sustainable relationship) 

I have also noted that the my 'preparing me for the journey priest' has offered me gifts, and it is often much later, in some cases, years later, that I realized the thread that God wove at that time. Each priest in either category is a vital thread in God's tapestry for me.

3. Reflect on the Priests who gave you the Sacraments:  I reflect on the gift of the priest administering the Sacraments:

o        A priest baptized me into the Body of Christ, ushering me into the household of faith. I used to send him a card or visit him around the anniversary of my Baptism. He passed away some years ago,but he is still remembered by prayer and through the Mass.

o        A priest brings God's peace and forgiveness to me in the Sacrament of Penance. I am grateful for whatever spiritual direction the priest offers in this sacrament to me, whether it seems relevant or not to me. He is acting in the person of Christ, who knows precisely what I need to hear.

o        A priest celebrates the Eucharist and welcomes me to the sacred banquet in which Christ is received.     

o        A priest is the Church's witness in the sacrament of Matrimony.

o        A priest administers the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick and blesses the dying. I know first-hand what a comfort I felt receiving this sacrament and how kind and compassionate he was to me when dad and mum were unwell  

o        A Bishop of course confirmed me- I like to remember that they too are pastors.

Priests are human despite acting the persona of Christ in the sacraments.  They have their own joys, and sorrows.  Are you there for your priest when he needs encouragement, consoling or able to assist in carrying his heavy burden?  Being a dedicated priest needs courage and determination.

Reflect on how you can assist your priest.  He needs:

o        Co-operation rather than withholding support.

o        Enthusiasm rather than pouring cold water on a new project.

o        Consoling when he is troubled and down.

Above all he needs MY TLC- Tender Loving Care in whatever form it seems appropriate.

During this Year of the Priest, reflect on your attitude to the priesthood, the priests you know and love and the priests who have journeyed with you.

How will YOU think quietly and calmly and reflect?

How might YOU be able to encourage YOUR priests.