Today is the feast of St. James, we listen again the biblical passage about his mother who brought her sons, James and John to see Jesus asking for good positions in the Kingdom of God. As a result, Jesus answered: “”Anyone who wants to be great among you must be your servant,
and anyone who wants to be first among you must be your slave, just as he Son of Man came not to be served to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (x. Matthew 20:20-28)
I had a conversation with a 72-year-old priest from India. He has been a priest for 43 years. He has reached retirement age. He worked for the Diocese of Brisbane. Later, Bishop Columba of the diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes invited him to continue his ministry here.
I asked him: With 43 years of priesthood, what major lessons and meanings have you found in ministry?
He happily replied:
“There are two things that I have experienced and believe all priests should uphold:
Firstly: Always remember that you are a servant, not a master.
Secondly: Do not get angry with anyone. Humble yourself and listen to everyone.”
He added, “If I can do this, the faithful will come to me. But if I don’t, they will run far away.”
His answer made me think deeply.
These two lessons simple but are challenging to implement rigorously. These principles are not new or unfamiliar to the Gospel values, where Christ said that the ruler should serve, and to be great with God is to serve, to kneel down and wash feet (cf. Mk 10:35-45). And when Christ said, “So, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” (cf. Mt 5:21-26).
With the development of social consciousness and human dignity today, these two principles become even more crucial. The elderly Indian priest shared these principles, and they are now of greater importance. Religious leaders next the path of Christ embody a servant’s role. They maintain a humble and approachable attitude. They prioritize listening to the concerns of the flock over wielding power. They avoid being intimidating or causing difficulty. In today’s environment, authentic and compassionate priests are needed more than ever.
Let us remember the image of the compassionate Good Shepherd in the Scriptures, who always served and showed mercy:
Forgiving the woman caught in adultery.
Patiently conversing with the Samaritan woman by the well.
Stopping for a woman with a twelve-year hemorrhage to heal her.
Humbling himself to wash the feet of his disciples…
And ultimately, shedding his blood for the sake of the flock.
With affection,
Let us pray together for all religious leaders in general, especially the priests of Christ today. Priests must require more prayers to walk closely in the footsteps of our Holy Master, Jesus Christ. These challenges of secularization, power, materialism, and fame confront priests, requiring more prayers. Let us be good shepherds like Christ for our families, friends, neighbors, and all whom we meet.
Living as witnesses means living in love, wouldn’t you agree?
Praying for your zeal and that of your family to live the Gospel.
With love,
Little-pencil
Little-pencil 