GSC MODULE 47: QUALITIES OF A GOOD PRIEST

The priest follows the Son of God, Jesus Christ

QUALITIES OF A GOOD PRIEST

The Lord continues to shepherd His flock through the service of His ordained. 

  Qualities which are the hallmark of the good priest are many: a godly way of life, dignified appearance and clothing, dignified speech, humility, service with compassion, mercy, generosity, wisdom, firm faith, sincere spiritual life, hospitality, sobriety, patience, kindness, goodness of heart, avoidance of undue dependence on technological devices and use of telephone and social media in a balanced manner.

St Paul discusses good qualities in his pastoral letter 1 Corinthians.

  Paul advises witnesses to Christ –

& Not to be quarrelsome [2 Timothy 2:24]

& To think as Christ does; to ‘have the mind of Christ’ [1 Corinthians 2:16]

& To avoid jealousy and infighting [1 Corinthians 3:1-4]

& To carry out ministry without expecting to see results: to give service without counting the cost: to labour humbly in the Lord’s Vineyard without expectation of earthly thanks or glory [1 Corinthians 3:5-8]

& To give glory and acknowledgement to God alone, as it is He Who calls to ministry, and He alone Who causes the growth of good from ministerial labours [1 Corinthians 3:5-8]

& To realize that each in ministry is a temple of God and that the Holy Spirit dwells within the minister [1 Corinthians 3:16]

& The temple of God is holy, so those in ministry must realize that each is called to live out lives of holiness in the service of God and His people [1 Corinthians 3:17]

& Not to be proud of academic achievements or natural intelligence: rather to prize true wisdom, humility before Christ [1 Corinthians 3:18-23]

& To avoid boasting [1 Corinthians 3:22-23]

& To work as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Ministers are to be aware of the sacred nature of their calling, and to practise and hold in safekeeping both knowledge and praxis of holy service to God [1 Corinthians 4:1]

& To be utterly trustworthy with relationships, money, confidentiality and the reputations and emotions of others [1 Corinthians 4:2]

& To avoid being judgemental of others [1 Corinthians 4:5]

& To be willing to be judged as foolish due to putting the sacred nature of the service of God first, instead of working towards earthly wealth, fame and prestige [1 Corinthians 4:10-16]

& To call upon those practising immorality to change of life. The follower of Christ is called to be witness to that which is righteous and good in the Sight of God. [1 Corinthians 5:9-11] This requires compassion and understanding for the weakness of the person struggling within the difficulties of the immorality

& Those in ministry are called upon to be sincere and truthful as witness to all [1 Corinthians 5:8]

& Avoid lawsuits, together with the unbearable strain they place upon individuals [1 Corinthians 6:1-8]

& Avoid defrauding others [1 Corinthians 6:7-8]

& Faithfulness in relationships [1 Corinthians 6:9]

& Avoid stealing [1 Corinthians 6:10]

& Avoid envy [1 Corinthians 6:10]

& Avoid foul language and verbally abusing others [1 Corinthians 6:10]

& Avoid financially defrauding others [1 Corinthians 6:10]

& Maintain sobriety and avoid alcoholism [1 Corinthians 6:10]

& Avoid giving scandal [1 Corinthians 8:1-13]

& Not to insist on personal rights [1 Corinthians 9:12]

& Avoid idolatry in any form [1 Corinthians 10:14]. Idolatry includes the worship of undue wealth, undue prestige, fame, pursuit of financially purchased intimacy, gambling, undue ingestion of drugs and mind altering substances, undue alcohol, cigarettes or immoral literature and forms of media

& Dress with good conduct and dignity, especially within liturgical assembly [1 Corinthians 11:4-15]

& Avoid arguments and contention [2 Timothy 2:23]

& Avoid divisions [1 Corinthians 11:18-22]

& Avoid disgraceful conduct in church [1 Corinthians 11:16-22]

& Not to desecrate the Blessed Eucharist [1 Corinthians 11:27-34]

& To develop personal gifts and talents given by God. Not to envy the gifts and talents of others [1 Corinthians 12:7-11]

& Give unconditional love to all. Avoid rejection of others who portray difference [1 Corinthians 12:12-26]

& Give godly love to all [1 Corinthians 13:1-13]

& Have patience [1 Corinthians 13:4]

& Be kind [1 Corinthians 13:4]

& Avoid arrogance [1 Corinthians 13:4]

& Avoid riotous behaviour [1 Timothy 3:2]

& Avoid retaliation to provocation [1 Corinthians 13:5]

& Forgiveness of wrongs done. Decline to hold a grudge [1 Corinthians 13:5]

& Do not enjoy or gossip about misfortunes and scandals of others [1 Corinthians 13:6]

& Be patient and bear difficulties for the love of Christ [1 Corinthians 13:7]

& Belief in all tenets of faith as taught within the Scriptures [1 Corinthians 13:7]

& Great hope in God and in the eternal future to come [1 Corinthians 13:7]

& Endure trials of life, health and faith in a spirit of love and reparation to God [1 Corinthians 13:7]

& Never fail or desert another in their time of need [1 Corinthians 13:7]

Rev Catherine

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