Challenges of Priests of the 3rd Millennium

My presentation to the aspirants for the Vocation Retreat held on Dec 03, 2005.


Theme of session: - Priest of the 3rd Millennium

Song: - I offer my life
(Listen to the song and take a few minutes to write the words, phrase that touched you and write why it has touch you)




Scripture: - Luke 9:57-62
(Hardships of the apostolic calling)

Introduction
· There are many reasons to follow Christ --> Joy in following and doing the will God. (Lk10:17-23, 22:28-30)
· Focus on this session --> The challenges
· From biblical times --> present there have been many challenges in following the Lord.


Biblical Times – Hardships of the apostles / followers
· “Leave me, Lord; I am a sinful man” (Lk5:8)
· Lack of faith (Lk8:22ff – calming the storm)
· Condition of following Christ (Lk9:23ff – “…take up his cross everyday and follow me…”
· Transfiguration experience (Lk9:28ff – “…he did not know what he was saying…disciples were afraid…”
· “This is intolerable language…” (Jn6:60)
· Jesus’ death – ‘failure’ (no disciples with him, except John / disciples disillusioned, loss, in fear) Lk24:13 – Emmaus, Jn20:19 – “…doors were closed in the room…for fear of the Jews…”
· Persecution – Acts of the Apostles


Pre Vatican II
· No consultation (Bishop-->Priests, Priest-->Laity)
· No Laity involvement
· Reformation – Luther (Indulgences)
· Priest was very functional (like the High Priests of the OT, who offered up sacrifices for the people)

Post Vatican II
· Priest as administrator of parish # administrator of sacraments (not enough time)
· Many ministry and areas to minister (chaplain, advisor, in-charge)
· Modern world (effect = too much concentration on theological academic aspect of the priestly ministry)



Priest of the 3rd Millennium
(extracts from the speech given by Bishop Tagle; Vocation congress for Asia,Bangkok, 23-26 June, 2005)

· Challenge : Globalisation --> materialistic / individualistic
Type of priest needed : Priests who are people schooled in true communion

· Challenge : Growing in lack of trust in Institutions & Leadership
(due to scandals)
Type of priest needed : Priest who use authority for service & who serve with
integrity

·Challenge : Growing number of poor / marginalized
Type of priest needed : Priests who are compassionate, welcoming & caring. An example.

·Challenge : Many searching for meaning in life
Type of priest needed : Hope to all



Conclusion
· Luke 9:57-62
- To follow Jesus must disengage ourselves from any:-
= “earthly home” (vs.57-58)
= “former responsibilities” (vs.59-60)
= “past relationships” (vs.61-62)

- Those who proclaim the Kingdom of God must live in a manner befitting the
kingdom and bid farewell to their historical past. (vs.60-62)

- Jesus had demonstrated a singular detachment from earthly matters (setting
out on a journey to Jerusalem (9:51, 57)

- Count the cost (discipleship --> cost to discipleship)

- Make the commitment


·Song “I Offer My Life”
- What is preventing me from making a decision to follow Christ? (guilt, regrets,
pain, incidents in the past, uncertainties of the future, wishes, future plans and dreams)

- Am I ready to ‘Let Go’ and ‘Let GOD’?



Reflection Questions for session on Priest of the 3rd Millennium (you may write the answers).

1. 5 reasons why I want to be a priest?
2. 5 reasons why I cant be a priest?
3. What will be my greatest challenge when I become a priest?
4. What is preventing me from making a decision to follow Christ?
5. Am I ready to let go and offer my past and myself to the Lord? (‘Let Go’ & ‘Let GOD’)