The priesthood which began at the Last Supper with the institution of the Eucharist remains enigmatic because it is not for all, but for the ones who are called to give up everything to serve. They could very easily live their own lives with their families in obscurity but they courageously chose the more difficult path to the priesthood. They have to study nine to 10 years and pass difficult examinations on scripture, theology, philosophy and even languages.
After all their hard work, they are not rewarded with a big pay cheque.
Although, the two main duties of a priest can be broadly said to offer the Mass and forgive sins, there is however a significantly deeper meaning because in doing so, he makes Christ present every moment of his life. Should we then not have the highest regard for priests?
Yet priests have been savagely attacked, killed and jeered for what the Roman Catholic faith embodies. Jesus revealed to Mutter Vogel in 1929 that we should never attack a priest (page 68 of the 1981 edition of PIETA). If we think that they have failed in any way, we should turn our eyes to Jesus who instituted the priesthood instead of tearing down the very institution that brings Christ to us.
Though the “Year for Priests” has drawn to a close, hopefully the sacredness of the institution will revive to greater heights.
Juliana Anne Rajam
