Recently I was shocked to hear that two former associate pastors of my parish have taken a leave from their ministry. I am not sure what that means and I don't really want to explore it. I just find that I need to pray for these guys. Both of them seemed to have strengths in their ministries and both are young and would be expected to serve for many more years. If, ultimately, they leave the priesthood it will be a blow to the whole community of God.
As I sit in prayer for them, these men who are struggling, I have thought about how hard it is today for people to remember God, to feel commitment to things that are hard, to struggle and persevere. It is so easy and accepted to give up, to take the easy road.
I am sure these men in their leaving, have not taken what seems to them as the easy road. Whatever they do, it will be hard. I pray for them to be infused by the Holy Spirit. I pray for the community of God who needs them to support them and call them back. I pray for all priests who struggle.
As I sit in prayer for them, these men who are struggling, I have thought about how hard it is today for people to remember God, to feel commitment to things that are hard, to struggle and persevere. It is so easy and accepted to give up, to take the easy road.
I am sure these men in their leaving, have not taken what seems to them as the easy road. Whatever they do, it will be hard. I pray for them to be infused by the Holy Spirit. I pray for the community of God who needs them to support them and call them back. I pray for all priests who struggle.