I would like to pick up another image from the readings you chose. I want to do so because I believe it is the first time it happens to me in my 17 years as a bishop that someone chooses the reading from the book of Exodus 17:8-16 when ordaining a priest.
Having the heart of a good shepherd is seen in the time you dedicate to pray for your people, to intercede for them.
We all know that priests pray for their people:
- We pray for them at the celebration of Mass
- We lay hands on them at different times
- We pray for them when they are sick
- We pray for them when they have to write exams, when they apply for a job…
That’s all very “public”. What came to my mind and heart as I reflected on the first reading is our praying for them when we are alone, when no one is looking at us, when there is no “umnikelo” attached to it.
The life of the priests must include the familiar image of Jesus spending all night in prayer to the Father. Not that you will spend your night in prayer…! I believe you too must go into your deserted place, your mountain or our private room and pray to the Father (Matthew 5:6).
We need that “one to one” time in prayer with the Father, with the Lord who called us, through the Spirit that leads us; being like Moses:
- lifting our hands for our people “at war” (like in the reading): family problems, issues at work or unemployment, lack of money, sickness, being unable to access health services, lack of hope, businesses at risk of closing down… Like Moses, seated on your stone, you will close your eyes and remember what they have shared with us and present it to the Lord;
- you will also lift up your hands to thank God for their joy, their successes, their good news… a new job, a promotion, a new child, a graduation, having been healed
It is risky when priests easily stop taking seriously their prayer life, praying for themselves and for those entrusted to him.
I daily celebrate Mass on my own and I think priests should do the same, not just when it is their week or their time to do so in Church. I do not think there is a day off regarding prayer and regarding the celebration of Mass.
Our prayer reveals the heart of the shepherd, your own heart.
Make sure you do not know just the words. Make sure you know the shepherd and that you resemble him. As I said, it is him that people need to find through you. It takes a lifetime to achieve it.
May the one who started this great work in you, bring it to completion.
