On the occasion of the anniversary of his priestly ordination, May 18, 1944
On the identity of the priest:
We have seen the priest demonstrated in ways both heroic and grand, humble and constant. We have seen him expressed in ways that are the fruits of adherence to the call. However, we have seen the priest expressed through a consecrated life that is devoid of genuine conviction, the result of compromises with the heart, senses, and unguided passions, which are not tamed, nor elevated in the gift of vocation.
(Having acknowledged the sins and failings of some priests, and the incongruous expression they give of the priest, he clarifies by taking us back to the day of the Institution of the priesthood.)
"Do this in remembrance of me."Behold the priest, born in that holy night, from the combination of love and betrayal; escape and fidelity; fear and heroism.
Behold the Priest. One who gives us the real presence of God made man; that nourishes us in his word; who
hears our confessions, advised us, and accompanies us in the hour of death; blesses the inanimate body, and prays for eternal peace.
On his own commitment to be a true priest:
... (Some people) do not fully understand the depth of the gift, being subjected and being supportive, they do not see beyond this outer shell, and do not realize that I have given everything, not just the past, not only the present, but the future as well: with no reserve.
On the comfort of the priesthood in his personal journey:
What importance do these days have, in which I must remain in the tomb?
What really matters to me is that He, the Christ, has risen, triumphing over death.
My mission is to remain in the tomb: alone, always alone, while everyone celebrates - rightly so. I have but one moment of comfort: the moment of the Mass!
And is this not very much?
...But there is always a star in the night... (I am reminded) that I am a priest, it soothes my anguish; gives me more space in the endless horizons of Love, who leads the history of the individual and all.
Original Translation: Jillian Cooke, Fr. Kolbe Missionary of the Immaculata
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