The Chrism Mass on Monday evening at the Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle was a wonderful liturgy and opportunity to see the various priests of the Archdiocese of Washington. It is an evening of respect and reverence for the Gospel, the Eucharist, and priests.
Archbishop Donald Wuerl was the celebrant; every priest in attendance was concelebrant.
The Chrism Mass was simply a Mass for priests. Seminarians were recognized. Priests who have died recently were recognized.
This Mass more than any other celebrated the extraordinary daily lives of priests as they live and work in their various ministries. One important part of this Mass was the blessing of the holy oils which will be used within the sacraments during the next twelve months. Each parish in the archdiocese received the oils which were blessed by the Archbishop.
Seeing all priests together in white vestments was impressive. How solemn yet moving the procession of priests into the Cathedral was! Both enthusiasm and hope were present. Love, universal and unconditional, was present also. This was a celebration. This was an evening when priestly vows were renewed with a youthful vigor.
A priest’s life is not easy. Their work never ends. Weddings, baptisms, confessions, hospital visits, parish meetings, and balancing the parish budget keep all priests busy in addition to their individual prayer times and Mass schedules. Being a priest is more than just saying Mass on Sunday.
A priest encourages us to love, to follow in the footsteps in Christ. Each priest in his own unique way illuminates God’s perfection, God’s mercy, God’s love, God’s forgiveness. Each priest in his own unique way illuminates our imperfection, our secular culture’s imperfection and destructiveness. Each priest in his own way provides light, hope, love, understanding leading those willing to listen, willing to follow away from the darkness. Priests are here to serve us, to direct us to salvation. They encourage us to examine our consciences, to live our lives filled with charity, humility, and obedience to the commandments of God. By their example we are presented with goodness and a view of a holy life of prayer and good works. A priest is a human being who needs our love, our assistance, and our prayers. And because many parishioners only see them during the rituals of the Mass, celebrating the Eucharist there is a tendency to elevate them, forget that they are all human and need our compassion, our empathy, and our friendship.
Evangelization must exist beyond the Mass. By example, each priest provides ways for us to incorporate the gospel into our lives and helps us develop the courage to spread it. We must always remember that the teachings of Jesus Christ centered on the notions of fairness, social justice, and love. Our priests do this each and every day.
The priesthood is an important, vital institution which provides sacramental assistance, directions, and prayers to and for believers and assistance, directions and prayers for nonbelievers. Priests are often very important in both their parishes and neighborhoods. The strength and beauty of the priesthood is dependent upon the love, support, and prayers of the faithful. We must pray for the health and well being of the current priests and of the future priests.
The Chrism Mass splendidly looks toward the future and asks us to always remember our priests in our prayers.
No comments:
Post a Comment