More people are joining the priesthood. Isn't that contrary to today's society? According to this article, it's not.
One would typically that the Catholic Church is rapidly shrinking, especially in the United States. America's "free society" would typically be thought of as a breeding ground for atheism, selfishness, greed. However, contrary to this, America has become a birthplace for many young priests who wish to follow in the footsteps of Christ. Ironic isn't it?
As stated by Brett Meltzer in the article, "I think that's why so many people come into the seminary and so many of the youth is starting to go to church now. Because they're realizing that fulfillment and happiness isn't found in what the culture is telling them it's found in." The "culture" Brett is referring to is the widespread American belief that salvation is found from within, that self-improvement comes from ourselves. Obviously this is an extremely errant view. Salvation, from our part, requires faith. It requires giving ourselves to God, as Brett has done, and letting Him take over. Ultimately, God himself is the only one who can bride the gap created by sin.
Giving oneself to God is a wondrous experience, and is rewarding in more ways than one could imagine. God is calling several of us to join His mission, and help combat the atheism, selfishness, and greed that plaques America today. Brett, among one of them, has answered this call, and serves as an example that all of us are called into a life holiness.
15 May 2013
Reflections: Fishers of Men
What makes a hero? Does it have to be a man in a cape? Do they have to have superpowers?
Heroes exist. They can be as obvious as a soldier fighting for freedom, or a parent raising their child the right way. However, would you ever think of a priest as a hero? Personally, the thought never came to mind. But after watching Fishers of Men, I have a new perspective on the priesthood.
The priesthood is not glorious, nor is it rewarding in the sense that you are frequently praised for your efforts. The priesthood is a special calling. Priests are unique. Living a life of Christ is not easy, and these select few men are called by God to give their own lives in example to others, and do so every second of every day. Priests are called to be in service to others. They are able to intimately bond with their communities, and be there for them, be part of the special moments of their life. Priests are there when you are born, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Priests are there to confirm them, they're there when they get married, they're there when they fall ill, they're there when they have greatly sinned and need reconciliation. Every step of the way priests are with us, teaching us and guiding us.
A hero is not defined by the amount of glamour he or she receives, nor the bad guys they defeat, but rather, they are defined by the deeds they do in service of others. Priests are heroes. They don't need a fancy cape, just Christ. They don't need superpowers; they have Christ. Priests live their entire life to be in service for us, to be there in our moments of need, and to bring us closer to God every Sunday. They are an example of what good we can accomplish in service of others; they are teachers.
Heroes exist. They can be as obvious as a soldier fighting for freedom, or a parent raising their child the right way. However, would you ever think of a priest as a hero? Personally, the thought never came to mind. But after watching Fishers of Men, I have a new perspective on the priesthood.
The priesthood is not glorious, nor is it rewarding in the sense that you are frequently praised for your efforts. The priesthood is a special calling. Priests are unique. Living a life of Christ is not easy, and these select few men are called by God to give their own lives in example to others, and do so every second of every day. Priests are called to be in service to others. They are able to intimately bond with their communities, and be there for them, be part of the special moments of their life. Priests are there when you are born, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Priests are there to confirm them, they're there when they get married, they're there when they fall ill, they're there when they have greatly sinned and need reconciliation. Every step of the way priests are with us, teaching us and guiding us.
A hero is not defined by the amount of glamour he or she receives, nor the bad guys they defeat, but rather, they are defined by the deeds they do in service of others. Priests are heroes. They don't need a fancy cape, just Christ. They don't need superpowers; they have Christ. Priests live their entire life to be in service for us, to be there in our moments of need, and to bring us closer to God every Sunday. They are an example of what good we can accomplish in service of others; they are teachers.
14 May 2013
Holiness: Confession
Sin is an infinite offense against God. We all sin, and as a result, there is an infinite gap between us and God that only continues to grow bigger and wider with every sin we commit. How are we to bridge this gap? We humans are finite; God is infinite. Therefore, only God himself is able to bridge this infinite gap.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation, or Confession, offers us an opportunity to receive God's grace. To take part first requires an "I'm sorry." A perfect contrition, or sorrowfulness, is feeling truly sorry for your sins and taking responsibility for it. Imperfect contrition is technically being sorry, however, one does not yet fully grasp the severity of the offense. Whether imperfect or perfect, confession requires at least one.
Confession is an intimate experience. You feel sorry, and you share your sins with a priest. The priest is acting in persona Christi, or "in the person of Christ." So essentially, you are talking directly to God himself. This allows for a special intimacy to occur, and further builds our relationship with God, hence the term "reconciliation."
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