Bruises: A Reflection Upon Priesthood

Bruises: A Reflection Upon Priesthood

“No vocation is born of itself or lives for itself. A vocation flows from the heart of God and blossoms in the good soil of faithful people. Did not Jesus say: “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (Jn 13:35)

Pope Francis – January 16, 2014

This short reflection is based upon a personal understanding and is no way meant to examine the priesthood in terms of an overall appreciation of the many priests living out their ministry, daily taking up the cross and determining to do their best.

I would start by echoing Pope Francis’s words, that a vocation does not live of, or for itself. And it flows from the heart of God; made concrete though love, by striving to pursue in all things the love that flows from the heart of God; Jesus himself, who calls a priest to begin his journey, and who walks every step of the journey, accompanying every breath.

I think though that the priesthood can be, and is bruised.

Bruised by a number of factors:

The clergy abuse scandals, the inability to comprehend them and the sadness that comes from the impact of such horrific crimes and betrayal of trust. This causes bruises for my priesthood.

Also, in ministry, the rejection of the gospel, people seeing the sacrament of baptism as a ticket to a school place only, and then not appearing in the parish or supporting the fabric of its life. No attendance at Mass, a lack of giving, no volunteering, failing to support the mission, while using the baptism purely for school places. Despite a gentleness and encouragement to engage in the fabric of the parish and the life of the church. This causes bruises for my priesthood.

Catholic teachers employed in Catholic schools who do not promote faith and who reject it openly This causes bruises for my priesthood.

Bruising comes from personal weaknesses, not living up to expectations, being compared to other priests, being praised too much, or not enough. Insecurity, fear of becoming irrelevant, demanding too much of self, guilt that perfection is such a long way off! This causes bruises for my priesthood.   

My spiritual discernment comes up with a plan to soothe the bruises, not to leave them behind but to learn from them.

Firstly, there is:

The call to Holiness: As a priest my vocation flows from the heart of God. Each bruise is a reminder to stay close to him, not to steer far from his heart. A call to trust more, not in my abilities, but in God’s love for me.

Faithful to vocation: The grass is never greener, despite how tempting it is to think that way! I am in the place where God wants me to be, at the appointed time! God walks with all people and I am not a judge, rather a friend who supports. 

Prayer and friendship with Christ: Medicine for the bruises are dispensed by Christ, who calls me to the priesthood and who, when I stay close too, heals my bruises and inspires my ministry.

So, do pray for priests, we are human, and we are prone to the traits of our humanity. We are to strive for holiness, while being aware of our limitations.

My prayer today is:

“Christ healer of the bruises of my life, be with me and enable me by trusting more, to stay close to you always” Amen