Year IV, Number 42

In a special way priests are called by virtue of their ministry to celebrate, teach and serve the Gospel of hope. Through the Sacrament of Orders which configures them to Christ the Head and Shepherd, Bishops and priests must conform their whole life and all their activity to Jesus. By the preaching of the word, the celebration of the sacraments and their leadership of the Christian community, they make present the mystery of Christ, and in the exercise of their ministry “they are called to prolong the presence of Christ, the One High Priest, embodying his way of life and making him visible in the midst of the flock entrusted to their care”.

As men who are “in” the world yet not “of” the world (cf. Jn 17:15-16), priests are called in Europe's present cultural and spiritual situation to be a sign of contradiction and of hope for a society suffering from “horizontalism” and in need of openness to the Transcendent.

In this context priestly celibacy also stands out as the sign of hope put totally in the Lord. Celibacy is not merely an ecclesiastical discipline imposed by authority; rather it is first and foremost a grace, a priceless gift of God for his Church, a prophetic value for the contemporary world, a source of intense spiritual life and pastoral fruitfulness, a witness to the eschatological Kingdom, a sign of God's love for this world, as well as a sign of the priest's undivided love for God and for his people. Lived in response to God's gift and as a mastery of the temptations of a hedonistic society, it not only leads to the human fulfilment of those who are called to embrace it, but proves to be a source of growth for others as well.

Celibacy is esteemed in the whole Church as fitting for the priesthood, obligatory in the Latin Church and deeply respected by the Eastern Churches. In the present cultural context, it stands out as an eloquent sign which needs to be cherished as a precious good for the Church. A revision of the present discipline in this regard would not help to resolve the crisis of vocations to the priesthood being felt in many parts of Europe. A commitment to the service of the Gospel of hope also demands that the Church make every effort to propose celibacy in its full biblical, theological and spiritual richness.

Q. Dear Fr Anthony,

Hello. I’ve never really felt a calling to much of anything, but for a long timed I’ve felt a strong desire to get married and have children. I’ve been blessed with many talents and also a profound interest in several fields of science. My dilemma comes in that many people at our church feel that I should be a priest, I think this may have something to do with our lack of priests in our diocese and also because I’m one of few youth that frequently helps out and attends events. Not that I’m completely closed to the idea, but I feel like its being shoved down my throat. Any suggestions as how to deal with this?

- Anonymus

A. Dear Anonymous,

When something committing is mentioned to us with some expectation as regards our answer, it is almost automatic to feel it is being forced on us, especially if we did not think of it first. I think you have to go beyond that reaction.

Look at yourself: you are one of the few youth that frequently helps out and attends events. As if that weren’t enough, now people seem to think you might be called to be a priest. It almost makes you wish you were just like everyone else and never showed up in the first place, doesn’t it? To crown your confusion and bad luck, you are not closed to the idea, and so think there might be some truth to it, while at the same time you have abilities and are attracted to other ways of life and interests.

One good thing at least is surfacing: you can think, and you tend towards honesty. Maybe that’s two. To bring some light into the matter, let’s get back to what a vocation is. A vocation is a call, from God. People don’t give you a vocation, and you can’t give yourself one - only God can. Even when a spiritual director knows you and encourages you to follow a vocation, all he really is doing is to say that he sees all the signs that God may be calling you. Only God can call you, and now for the other part, only you can answer him. Only you can live your vocation; nobody else can do it for you. Nobody else can give the fruit God is expecting from you.

The question you need to take to God in prayer (your thanksgiving after Communion is a great time for this, or a visit to our Lord in the Eucharist) is this: “You have taken care of me, you gave me a different way of reacting than my friends, you have drawn me to you by helping out and attending events. You have also placed normal desires for marriage and family in my heart. You have made me aware of the needs of those around me, so I am not closed to the priesthood. Do you want to use me as your priest? Is that where you are leading me? Is it you speaking through those people who mention it to me?” Spend also some time considering two more realities: what Christ has done for you and the needs people around you have. Then I think you need to offer yourself to God, and tell him you are willing to do anything for him.

If as well as the above you seek out a spiritual director for yourself you will surely get the answer to your question.

God bless.

- Fr Anthony

Q. Dear Fr Anthony,

I recently said no to a guy who asked me out, and he is making me feel bad about it. I, on the other hand, thought that since I am only 16 and considering a vocation, I should not date. He is making me feel bad; did I make the right decision?

- Cathy

A. Dear Cathy,

It seems to me you made the right decision on several counts. First, if you are considering a vocation it is not necessary and perhaps not wise to date, since this will help you test your vocation, and it is very honest of you to have made the decision not to go out. Second, if this guy cannot respect your decision and is trying to put you on a guilt trip making you feel bad about it, it shows that he is more interested in himself than you and on top of that is willing to be manipulative in order to get what he wants. Not a good sign. Even if you were not considering a vocation it would be better to avoid going out with him until he matures and becomes a little less self-centered.

God bless.

- Fr Anthony

Viewed from the perspective of love, what matters in a commitment with Christ is not so much the first element –the content or material fulfillment of a duty-, but rather the second: the fact that it is with Christ, that is, an encounter with the one who loves us and to whom we want to correspond in kind. Therefore the center of gravity no longer resides in “what” I am doing or “how”, but in “for whom and what for”; that is, in the motive and finality of a particular act.

Viewed from the perspective of love, the spiritual life achieves its proper dimension; it acquires a totally new radiance and meaning, and it becomes exciting as any love-story between two persons is exciting and touching. Bathed in this light your soul breaks free of the miserly logic of figuring the bare minimum, and you learn to be openhearted with God, not keeping tally of the minutes you give him or the “favors” you do him with your occasional acts of generosity. You are at ease with him, you try to spend time with him. Where would you ever find two people in love with one eye on the clock when they meet so as not to be together a minute longer than they really have to?

It would be just as absurd, and I daresay even more so, to conceive our relations with God from the same narrow viewpoint. If you love, the commitments and demands of the spiritual life are no longer an annoying obligation, they become a burden that is light and a yoke that is easy. For example, I will no longer go to Mass on Sunday because it is an obligation the Church lays on me, but because my love drives me, I realize its great value and wealth, and it has to do with who I am. Everything I do, the fulfillment of my spiritual and apostolic commitments, absolutely everything, is in my mind an offering; it is an expression of my love for Christ, and the occasion for a personal encounter with him. Fidelity springs spontaneously from love.

Gospel: Jn 19: 25-27

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. Seeing his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing near her, Jesus said to his mother, "Woman, this is your son." Then to the disciple he said, "This is your mother". And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.

Introductory Prayer: Lord Jesus, I firmly believe that you gave me your most beloved mother to be my mother as you hung on the cross. I truly hope that she will exercise her motherhood with me all the days of my life so that I may grow in knowledge and love of you.

Petition: Mary, my mother I trust that you know what I, your child, need most. Teach me to want for me what you want for me and place my needs in Jesus' hands.

1. "Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother"

The Blessed Virgin Mary is indeed the Immaculate Conception. There was never the slightest stain of sin on her soul. She was conceived without original sin, therefore wholly pleasing in God's eyes. Nevertheless, during her earthly pilgrimage she encountered the cross at every step of the way. She deserved heavenly bliss since she pleased the Father at every moment of her existence but the claws of suffering and the spikes of difficulties were ever present in her heart and mind during her journey through life. What a mystery! How she accepted all of these short–lived hardships with such faith and love!

2. "Seeing his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing near her, Jesus said to his mother, ‘Woman, this is your son.’"

Mary suffered a lot during her life. Just imagine the ordeal the flight to Egypt must have been for her. They didn't have airplanes, hotels, cars. They couldn't stop off at McDonalds on the way. The Holy Family went on foot. She had just given birth to Jesus. All of her sufferings, especially those she experienced at the foot of Christ's cross are geared toward her present spiritual motherhood over us all. She suffered in her Immaculate Heart so as to show us the way, so as to encourage us along the path and share with us her own beautiful tears and the interior groaning she had to endure throughout her life.

3. "...And from that hour the disciple took her into his home."

St Bernard prays, "Never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection was left unaided." Do I have filial confidence and love for the mother that Jesus gave me as he was dying on the cross? St. John took her into his home. I can certainly do the same every day.

How exciting it is to entertain the Blessed Virgin in one's heart everyday, she is a kind and loving mother that only expects and demands the best out of her children. The rosary is an excellent way to begin accompanying her on a daily basis.

Dialogue: Remember, O Most compassionate Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto you O Virgin of Virgins, my Mother. To you I come and before you I kneel, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen. (The Memorare, St. Bernard)

Questionnaire:

1. Does seeing how Mary wasn't spared tough sacrifices and tears during most of her life, help me silence my meagered complaints when I face difficulties?

2. Do I complain when God allows me to carry the cross in my life?

3. Do I love Mary? Is she my friend as I walk along the difficult path toward Heaven or is she just a mere statue that I have placed somewhere in my heart?

More shall be asked from the man who received more. We have to change the emphasis in our thinking, from ourselves to Christ and to building his Kingdom. When we say something is better we tend to mean it seems more comfortable for us and suits us better. But our real focus as baptized Christians, Christ’s disciples, should be on what is better for the coming of the Kingdom.

The gift of faith gives us a special experience of God’s love for us. He invites us to mark our Christian living with a special effort to love him in return in the way he deserves. This includes searching and appreciating the gift he has given us. If that is a vocation, then true love for him will include making that vocation give all the fruit it can. That is really what is better for me.

And then for the Kingdom: with God’s grace, what is the best I can do for souls? From the thoughts, reflections, spiritual sensitivity, spiritual attractions he has placed in my soul, is he inviting me to build his Kingdom through the consecrated life?

If he is, then be not afraid. Follow him. The spirit we have been given is not a spirit of fear but of trust.

Upcoming Events & Retreats

(( Listed here are retreats directed by the Legionaries of Christ and Regnum Christi members. For a listing of diocesan activities and other events, click here to go to the vocation.com website ))

LEGIONARIES OF CHRIST

Rome, Italy. December 27, 2003 - January 5, 2004. Youth Pilgrimage for boys ages 11-15. Price: $1,495 (includes airfare) Chaplains are the Legionaries of Christ. Contact Ray Arsenault at (902) 854-2808 or arsenaultacres@pei.sympatico.ca

Rome, Italy. December 27, 2003 - January 5, 2004. Pilgrimage for college-aged men and high school seniors. Price: $399 + airfare. Chaplains are the Legionaries of Christ. Contact Karolee Stauduhar at kstauduhar@msn.com or (407) 869-8263.

REGNUM CHRISTI consecrated men

Call Tony MacDonnell for more information, (301) 365-3205. amacdonnell@arcol.org.

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