The Priesthood
The priesthood should be like a funnel
If a priest is truly to be an agent for grace, he must
become like a funnel through which the Lord’s mercy can flow. That a priest has
received the grace of ordination, if he does not attempt to live a life of
holiness, if he does not become a living sacrifice for his people, if he does
not give himself over to his parishioners as a loving servant, he will have
failed in his priestly service.
Priesthood is not simply a profession, like that of an
attorney or doctor. The priest, in his service to the Church, is sharing in
Christ’s priesthood. His service must be as direct and committed as is the
Lord’s commitment to His Church.
Those who have been placed in the care of the priest
must see in him the Christ Whom he serves. They must know by his fatherly love
for them that they can trust him to care for them, no matter what. If a priest
is not willing to offer himself fully to his people, as their loving father,
loving each with equal fervor, he will have betrayed his priestly calling.
The priest must first and foremost be a man of prayer,
and his intercessory role on behalf of his people must play a central role in
his day to day service. It is in his commitment to be a man of prayer that he
will be able to minister to his people with the power of the Holy Spirit. No
amount of education or intellectual ability can make a priest effective.
Prayer is that central element that will make him able
to minister to his people with conviction, demonstrating the love of God by his
life. The wisdom needed to guide his people can not come from academic
knowledge, but must flow forth as the wisdom of the ages. He must be a funnel
through which the love and mercy of God can be seen and experienced by the
people he is called to serve.
Love
in Christ,
Abbot
Tryphon
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