(part of my homily at Fr Thokozani Mkhonta's ordination to the priesthood)
Fr Thokozani, as you receive the gift of the ministerial priesthood today, keep these things in your heart:
Be humble. Like the apostles in today’s Gospel passage are being sent by Jesus, it is Jesus who calls you and makes you his priest. Remember you did not choose to be a priest but you have been called to be a priest.
Like Moses, remember your place. Never be above the people, always at their level, journey with them like Moses and Paul did. This is the spirit of our synodal journey. Remember Jesus at the resurrection: no pointing fingers, no reminding the apostles of their betrayal… just a word of “peace” and “reconciliation”.
In Egypt, the people of Israel experienced the power of Pharaoh over them. There seems to be a little Pharaoh in every priest. It is revealed after ordination. Some are able to control it, to make sure it does not grow. Others, instead, become Father Pharaoh. Let me share with you three stories from dioceses in South Africa, I came to know first hand.
I remember a parish where a new priest arrives and decides to let the people know the parish income and expenditure. His predecessor ran to him saying: “Don’t do that. The people should not know about the money”. That's Pharaoh, doing as he pleases with the money that belongs to everyone, never being accountable.
In another parish as the new priest arrives in a parish he is asked: “how many collections shall we take at Mass?” The priest, surprised, replied: “one, isn’t it”. He was then told that his predecessor would take three collections at Mass: one for the Church and two for himself. Pharaoh, putting heavy burdens – taxes! on the people.
In another diocese the executive of a sodality told the bishop that their chaplain decided for them when a change of uniform should take place. They had chosen the date but Father said “no”. Pharaoh again. He doesn’t see himself as a chaplain but as the one who is in charge, above the executive. He would take every decision and could never be contradicted, he is a priest!
Remember Paul as he tells the elders to be on their guard for themselves and for the flock. Our priesthood – like marriage – is “fragile” and we need to be always on our guard. Be Moses for the people you will be entrusted with, not Pharaoh.
Your service, like it was for Moses, will sometimes make you weary. Paul reminds the elders of his own tears for them. Being at the centre means that you will be in everybody’s eyes. It might even happen that no matter how generous you are, some might make you feel it is not enough. The initial excitement of your ordination might sooner or later be gone, your “Easter time” might soon become “ordinary time” or even a “Lenten season”. Remember Moses: cry to God. Let God be your strength.
You see this in Paul’s words in today’s second reading. He says he has served in all humility with sorrows and trials, imprisonment and persecution.
The Risen Jesus carries the marks of the passion and cross. Don’t expect anything different in your ministry but look at the crucified that is now risen.
The readings, though, reminds you of something essential: you are not called to lead alone. Treasure your brother priests called like you, treasure the Religious Sisters, treasure your PPC… make sure you involve them, you consult them, you listen to them… Advice them and pray for them! I particularly enjoyed my meetings with the presbyteral council and the consultors but also the DPC executive and the DFC because of their commitment, their love for the diocese and their wisdom.
Look for God’s gifts in the people you serve and involve new people in the different services. As God did for Moses, as Jesus did as he called the 12 and the 72, as Paul did in the different communities.
And may the One who started this good work in you, bring it to completion.
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