Fr. Jerry talks about the institution of Holy Orders and priests, which was started on that first Holy Thursday over two thousand years ago.
He apologizes for those priests who have victimized others.
He talks about Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict, and Pope Francis who represent Faith, Hope and Charity respectively.
He also talks about the true vocation of priests and quotes this poem by Catherine Doherty.
WHAT IS A PRIEST?
By Catherine Doherty - foundress of Madonna House,
Combermere, Ontario, Canada
A PRIEST is a lover of God,
a priest is a lover of men,
a priest is a holy man
because he walks before the face of the All-Holy.
A priest understands all things,
a priest forgives all things,
a priest encompasses all things.
The heart of a priest is pierced, like Christ's
with the lance of love.
The heart of a priest is open, like Christ's
for the whole world to walk through.
The heart of a priest is a vessel of compassion,
the heart of a priest is a chalice of love,
the heart of a priest is the trysting place
of human and divine love.
A priest is a man whose goal is to be another Christ;
a priest is a man who lives to serve.
A priest is a man who has crucified himself
so that he too may be lifted up
and draw all things to Christ.
A priest is a man in love with God.
A priest is the gift of God to man
and of man to God.
A priest is the symbol of the word made flesh,
a priest is the naked sword of God's justice,
a priest is the hand of God's mercy,
a priest is the reflection of God's love.
Nothing can be greater in this world than a priest,
nothing but God Himself.
nothing but God Himself.
Beautiful, inspiring poem! Thank you!
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