Friday, May 26, 2023

Memorial of Saint Philip Neri, priest

(Acts 25:13b-21; John 21:15-19)

It is often noted that in this gospel Jesus’ three-time questioning of Peter’s love compares with Peter’s three-time denial of him.  However, the purpose of the questioning is not always speculated.  The probable reason for the repeated question is to assure that Jesus’ Church would be well cared for.  By reminding Peter of his failure, Jesus strengthens his resolve to do everything he can to serve him.  Such love will carry Peter to martyrdom.

The love Jesus requires from Peter is not unique.  He asks the same love from all priests.  They too are shepherds who tend his sheep.  Unless they would do anything for Jesus, some of the flock may wander astray.  Promising such love, priests are asked to remain celibate in imitation of Jesus.  They will have fewer personal responsibilities so that they can give themselves fully to pastoral service.

Today the Church celebrates one of her most famous priests, Philip Neri, “the Apostle of Rome.”  Philip’s care for his expansive flock demonstrated a deep love of the Lord.  Philip was sought after by all kinds of people – rich and poor, high priests and simple workingpersons.  His wisdom, holiness, and, indeed, humor enabled him to meet most every need.

Tuesday, January 14, 2013

Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

(I Samuel 1:9-20; Mark 1:20-28)

Ever fascinating, Pope Francis does not sidestep criticizing the clergy.  His reprimand of the German bishop who spent a lavish amount of money on his residence made world news.  Not so noticed by the press, he took aim at insipid clerical preaching in his recent exhortation The Joy of the Gospel.  Francis realizes that the people follow their clergy.  Where priests zealously live the gospel, the people will follow suit.  The first reading provides an example of a priest from the Old Testament whose laxness created great trouble for ancient Israel.

In the reading from I Samuel Eli harshly and erroneously rebukes Hannah for coming to the temple drunk.  In the end he sounds contrite enough for his mistake; however, further reading of I Samuel reveals Eli making other costly misjudgments.  He does not ban his two sons Hophni and Phinehas from temple service after they wantonly extort people.  More tragically, he evidently allows the Ark of the Covenant to be used as a talisman in the war against the Philistines leading to its loss in battle.

Although the universal priesthood of the baptized is rightfully given center attention in the Church today, we should not underestimate the need for competent, hard-working, holy priests.  At least in the United States, they do not need money or other material gifts, but they should be prayed for.  When they err in a significant way (or are perceived as having done so), they should be told politely rather than criticized behind their back or excused frivolously.