The suffering priest

Pope Paul VI's encyclical on the celibacy of the priest, Sacerdotalis Caelibatus, boldly affirms that "in the community of the faithful committed to his charge, the priest represents Christ. Thus, it is most fitting that in all things he should reproduce the image of Christ and in particular follow His example, both in his personal and in his apostolic life" (Sacerdotalis Caelibatus, 31).

In what way can the priest really represent Christ? Is it because he is so active in his apostolic life? Or because he is well known in the media? The Gospel teaches that the good shepherd is the one who gives his entire life for his flock. In other words, the real priest must follow his master to the cross, the place of his passion, death and resurrection.

For St John, the cross is the throne of Jesus' glory. In fact, Jesus says "when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself" (Jn 12,32). The cross has been for Jesus the expedient vehicle through which he was to die for the entire humanity; the venue where "he (not only) bore the sin of many", but at the same time "made intercession for the transgressors" (Isa 53,12).

In the prophet Isaiah's words, thanks to Christ's bleeding wounds, stripes, oppression and iniquity, the sheep who have gone astray have now turned to their own way (see Isa 53,5-6). His tremendous suffering, brought about healing and salvation.

If every Christian is called to "complete (in his and her own flesh) what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church" (Col 1,24) how much more the priest is to be a living and authentic sacrifice for the whole world! The Church's venerable tradition provides countless examples of priests who offered their sufferings for the spiritual well-being of God's flock.

For instance, who can fail to mention the eloquent sacrificial life of St Pio of Pietrelcina? Because the latter let himself be guided by Christ in his sufferings, he was able, by God's grace, to open up to others. He reached out to others by founding the "Home for the Relief of Suffering".

However, the abundant fruits that are still being reaped through his suffering are more spiritual than material. Many people still experience the power of his intercession that emanates from an outstanding holy life. It is amazing how the suffering of this holy Capuchin priest left its mark on those who approach him with faith both when he was alive as well as now that he is numbered among the great hosts of holy men and women coming from all walks of life.

Being the living image of Christ suffering, Padre Pio lived with intensity his sacerdotal vocation by letting himself be a loving victim on the Lord's cross for humanity's salvation. This extraordinary priest teaches the priests of every time that "it is under the cross that one learns to love" (Letter I). Padre Pio understood that real love is not "self-seeking, a sinking in the intoxication of happiness; instead it seeks the good of the beloved: it becomes renunciation and it is ready, and even willing, for sacrifice" (Deus Caritas Est 6).

It was in upholding this lifelong journey of purification through suffering that Padre Pio's sacrificial priestly life has become a light that keeps shining amid the darkness of our shattered world. Pope John Paul II noted this aspect very well in his homily on the occasion of the beatification of the stigmatised Capuchin when he said: "Purified by suffering, the love of this faithful disciple drew hearts to Christ and to his demanding Gospel of salvation"(Homily on Beatification of Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, 5).

As it stands, suffering is the identity and the mission of every priest who lets the Eucharist he daily celebrates change him and make him more and more the authentic image of Christ the Priest for God's People. Let us pray with faith that our priests radiate Christ's presence among us, precisely by lovingly embracing suffering and live it with great committed love for the praise and glory of the Lord's name, for humanity's goodness, and the good of all His Church.

O Jesus, our great High Priest, hear our humble prayers on behalf of your priests. Give them a deep faith, a bright and firm hope and a burning love which will ever increase in the course of their priestly life. In their loneliness, comfort them. In their sorrows, strengthen them. In their frustrations, point out to them that it is through suffering that the soul is purified, and show them that they are needed by the Church, they are needed by souls, they are needed for the work of redemption. O loving Mother Mary, Mother of Priests, be their comfort, be their joy, be their strength. Amen.