As I prepare to leave Prince of Peace for yet another priestly assignment, it is good for me and us to reflect on the priesthood and the Eucharist. Reflecting much over the past three months on both of these as we live through this pandemic, I have come to more greatly appreciate how the two are even more strangely connected in my experience and belief.
People often believe that priests are overworked or do very little, beyond reach and underpaid. We are the victims of many stereotypes that we need to move beyond such as being too conservative or too liberal, too concerned about money or not being a good preacher or even being afraid of being hugged (before social distancing came into play). I continue to discover that my fullest expression and strength as a person and as a priest, is my relationship with Jesus and His priesthood to all people.
The gift of priesthood has allowed me to discover more of the person God has made me to be and to grow in love of God especially through you and the many people God has placed in my life. Some people might think it is strange or odd for anyone to give up love of one person or several to be able to focus on serving many, I find it to rather be an honor and a privilege to be able to journey with so many in their lives in a holistic manner.
One of my greatest joys as a priest has been drawing many different kinds of people together and spending time with them at Mass. So many great opportunities you have given me in the context of the Eucharist in these past 6 years here at Prince of Peace, and I’ve greatly missed those glances of love when Mass was virtual during the pandemic.
There is no doubt in my mind that my life as a priest and all of our lives, move and grow when we seek God’s love daily in those around us. It has been my joy to be your shepherd as I relied on the help of the Good Shepherd. During each and every Mass I celebrate and will celebrate in the future, I stand humbly in the person of Christ, bearing witness and offering the Sacrifice of Jesus’ body and blood for the sake of the Church. Whenever we join together in the Mass, God is present!
Let us ask the Lord’s blessing on us as we celebrate the Feast of His Body and Blood. It is the Eucharist that unites us through our common priesthood of believers. Please pray for all priests, that we may always remember whom we serve and with whose help gives us strength and love.