GSC MODULE 46: PRIESTLY EXAMPLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The priest follows the Son of God, Jesus Christ

PRIESTLY EXAMPLE 

The priest through the call from Christ becomes the ambassador of God Almighty, King of Heaven and earth. 

  This call settles definite responsibility on the shoulders of the priest. 

  The ordinee has been chosen as a signpost pointing to the road which leads to God and the heavenly Kingdom. 

  The priest is an anointed witness to the authenticity and message of the gospels.

  The priest has been chosen as a leader, a shepherd of the great flock of the household of God.  

  This means that all eyes are upon the ordinee, who needs to monitor personal behaviour in order to give a worthy example.

  Clothing, behaviour, speech, attitudes need to reflect the model set by Jesus Christ alone. 

  The priest finds strength for this task by seeking counsel, guidance and comfort at the Feet of the Lord in prayer.

  The priest is, indeed, but a servant of God: however, one with solemn responsibility. 

  The ordinee serves elderly and young, of all financial and social strata, as Jesus Himself served us.

The priestly knowledge of the Word of God brings peace to relationships, comfort to the sorrowing, support to the dying and the gospel to all who thirst for the true meaning of life as a forerunner to our eternal destination in Heaven.

  The dedicated priest can expect harsh judgement from the worldly and those entrapped in the snares of sin. 

  It is not easy for those who live far from the grace of the Lord and His Church to accept Christ’s teachings and the reproach of the example of the lives of Christ’s ambassadors.

  The priest may encounter hurtful words, deeds, and indeed spiritual attack from those under the influence of the adversary satan. 

  These are all designed to dishearten the priest and cause priestly defection from the priesthood.   Indeed, nothing can do that for once a priest, always a priest.”You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.” [Psalm 110:4]

  When Jesus calls, He calls for life. Whether always worthy or not, the ordinee always remains God’s ambassador. 

  The priest needs to have patience, tolerance, gentleness, understanding and commitment to ecumenism when dealing with those who spiritually assail personal priestly ministry.

  The grace of Christ may win through to those who find the priestly ministry offensive, and help to save a lost sheep crying in the wilderness of a fallen world and carry the rescued back to the safety of Christ’s Fold. 

  No greater honour can be bestowed than that of trustworthily assisting the Great Shepherd with His Task of rescue, protection and sustenance of the flocks as they move towards their heavenly destination.

  It is important for the priest to remember that all, priests, parishioners and those outside the church, are sinners alike. 

After the Fall all struggle with the effects that original sin wrought upon us in body, mind and soul.

  Yet it is also true that the devoted priest of God may rise above personal flaws and strengthen personal godly character by humble prayer and attentive listening before the Lord.

  Priests need deep grace to rise above their personal fallen nature in order to witness to the goodness of God and the gospel. 

  God does not call the messenger without fitting the one called to the task.

  Priests may rest assured that God well knows what He is about: He holds the reins of the universe in His Hands. Just as He calls, so He will nourish and sustain the humble priest with grace, spiritual sustenance, love and comfort.

  The priest has not been called as a saint to the task of witness and leadership of  the people of God entrusted to personal priestly care. 

  The priest is called as a sinner and sent to other sinners. 

  It is through ministry, self-sacrifice and obedience to the Word of God that the priest becomes a saint.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PRIEST

The priest leads the community to worship through the reading, preaching and teaching of God’s Word. 
  Hearts and thoughts are led to God’s Throne with prayer, song, repentance and praise.

  The Holy Celebration of the Eucharist is the priestly joy and responsibility. 
  The Sunday Mass and prayer service is the worship which sustains the believer and praises the Father.

The priest thus has the responsibility of ensuring regular Mass, prayer service, Benediction, Bible studies, Confession, absolution, retreats, house visits, pastoral ministry, reflections, meditations and rosary prayers which are all made available to parishioners and those in search of God.

  Celebration of the sacraments of  Eucharist, Confession, Baptism, Confirmation, Anointing of the Sick, last Rites for the Dying are not only the responsibility but the privilege of the priest.

Rev Catherine

Disclaimer: this information is not meant to replace your Priest, Theologian, Doctor or Health Professional Care