2 Corinthians 5:18-20: All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. So we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We beseech you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
1 Corinthians 4:1: This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
John 20:21: Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.”
Bishops and priests are the ministers of Christ in our world. They represent him and, in the sacraments, make him actively present. This is a most serious calling. A “poor” priest does not, in itself, repudiate this high calling. As living signs of contradiction, in the footsteps of the Master, they are mocked and slandered by a world that still does not understand Jesus or the Gospel.
For more such reading, contact me about getting my book, DEFENDING THE CATHOLIC FAITH.
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