My understanding of priesthood is not based on 12-months being ordained – but many years as a Christian and being involved in ministry to young people.
As Priests we are:
Called to serve and to administer the sacraments.
To share the gospel in a relevant way to those we are called to.
To give glory to God.
Thomas Merton said –
“A tree gives glory to God by being a tree. For in being what God means it to be it is obeying God. It “consents,” so to speak, to God's creative love. It is expressing an idea which is in God and which is not distinct from the essence of God, and therefore a tree imitates God by being a tree”
We must become what God created us to be, if we are to give glory to God.
Thomas Merton also says –
“Our vocation is not simply to be, but to work together with God in the creation of our own life, our own identity, our own destiny. To work out our identity in God.”
Discovering our purpose (identity) and living it out, is our life's journey. It will take a lifetime, no more no less. We thank God for our individuality, our unique self, that together as many parts we are one.
Thomas Merton writes –
“We have the choice of two identities: the external mask which seems to be real … and the hidden, inner person who seems to us to be nothing, but who can give himself eternally to the truth in whom he subsists.”
“There is only one problem on which all my existence, my peace, my happiness depends, to discover myself in discovering God. If I find Him I will find myself and if I find my true self I will find Him.”
So, there can be no simple answer as to what it is to be a priest. We are all different and will be called into different areas to minister. To children, the youth, adolescents, young families, the sick and the dying. To business, to teaching; there is not an area of life that is not in need of the light of Christ.
We all struggle with self-belief. I am not good enough, worthy enough, knowledgeable or strong enough to be a priest.
In kingdom terms that certainly would meet the criteria.
It is through brokenness that we serve.
Only God is good.
Thomas Merton -
“The beginning of love is the will to let those we love be perfectly themselves, the resolution not to twist them to fit our own image.”
Within our own image dwells our values and beliefs
A Henri Nouwen quote –
One of the main tasks of theology is to find words that do not divide but unite, that do not create conflict but unity, that do not hurt but heal.
My call has always been to youth, I have been blessed to have a soulmate that shares the same vision and ministry. Our call is to walk alongside the youth, to offer different ways of thinking – in a language that is familiar to them.
That they may discover for themselves the wonders that God has in store for them. We do not want to presume that we know their Map – though the inward-looking pilgrim tends to make better progress.
It’s about enabling young people to realise their potential through their natural gifting. Focusing on forgiveness and acceptance, healing and wholeness, kindness and gentleness, understanding and belief, truth and integrity.
As Priests we are:
Called to serve and to administer the sacraments.
To share the gospel in a relevant way to those we are called to.
To give glory to God.
Oh, and did I mention – Preach the Gospel
