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Pope to priests: Be witnesses of the Good Shepherd and give yourselves entirely to Him
Marking the Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests, which is celebrated the Solemnity, Pope Leo sends a message to priests inviting them to witness “the tenderness of the Good Shepherd” and live a priestly life that “is steady and configured to Jesus’ Heart.”
By Deborah Castellano Lubov
“Let us remain united to Christ in everything — in all that we do and in all that happens to us every day.”
Pope Leo expressed this in a message he addressed priests on the occasion of the Day of Prayer for the Sanctification of Priests, which the Church celebrates today, June 12, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
READ POPE LEO XIV’S FULL MESSAGE
In the message, the Pope said that holiness is neither “one option among many” nor “an abstract ideal,” for it involves the very identity of every person who wishes to share in the life of the Risen One.
Trustful abandonment to the Lord
Stressing that God invites us to share in His own holiness, Pope Leo said this holiness He asks of us “is a trustful abandonment, allowing ourselves to be transformed by the Holy Spirit.”
The Pope reflected that we are called to share in God’s own holiness, despite being earthly, often “limited and imperfect, weak and weary, and at times wounded.”
Thus, he asked, “How can such a vulnerable human heart respond to such a high calling?”
Pope Leo said that the union of our heart with Christ’s Heart is not an experience reserved for a select few, but rather is a sacramental, Eucharistic journey that unfolds each day of our lives.
Must actively renew
“By our ordination we have been configured to Christ, yet,” he said, “we must always renew within ourselves the gift of grace through our daily celebration of the Eucharist, prayer, meditation on the Word of God and humble service to our brothers and sisters.”
Saying our humanity is not compartmentalized, the Pope added, “Prayer, ministry, relationships, weariness, joys and failures — even time or love that apparently seems wasted — all become privileged places where God reveals Himself and His infinite love.”
He said that the priest who has an upright, simple and pure heart can be contemplative in the midst of action, merciful and faithful in times of trial, and joyful in the gift of himself.
“The world,” Pope Leo stressed, “greatly needs pastors who offer more than simply words or programs; it needs the living witness of a reconciled heart that exudes the sweet fragrance of Christ’s holiness.” Noting a priestly life “that is steady and configured to Jesus’ Heart,” he underscored, “is a credible sign of unity, peace and mercy.”
Thus, in an age marked by division and fear, Pope Leo said, “We must be builders of peace and witnesses of the tenderness of the Good Shepherd who knows how to gather the scattered and heal the wounded.”
Not about striving for perfection
Pope Leo said, “The response to the call to holiness lies not so much in works of asceticism or striving for perfection — though these are necessary — but in trusting adherence to the love revealed in Jesus’ pierced Heart.”
The Pope marveled that it is no longer we who live, but Christ who lives in us.”
“Give yourselves entirely to Him, so that you may love His people with the same love with which He loves them,” Pope Leo said.
“This love,” he added, “is a pledge and a guarantee that, if we surrender and offer ourselves completely, nothing of us will be lost.”
Finally, Pope Leo concluded by entrusting each and every one of you to the Virgin Mary, Mother of Priests. “May she, who cherished the mystery of her Son in her heart,” he said, “also teach us to keep alive and make the Heart of Christ, Savior of the world, beat within us.”
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