How Mr. & Mrs. Public Considers the Catholic Priest

From Father John Boos

In today’s world, being a priest has become a dangerous vocation, not because of persecution, but because of public opinion. Society has created an impossible checklist, a rigged game where the priest loses before he even begins.

• If he talks with women, he’s automatically a womanizer.

• If he talks with men, he’s suddenly gay;

• If he is seen with children, he’s a suspected pedophile.

• If he sits beside an elderly woman, she’s his sugar mammy.

• If he helps an elderly man, that’s his sugar daddy.

• If he keeps his distance, he is proud.

• If he mingles too much, he’s desperate for attention.

• If he spends time with the elderly, he’s outdated.

• If he spends time with the youth, he’s trying to b e cool.

• If his homily is long, he’s boring.

• If his homily is too short, he doesn’t know the subject.

• If he speaks loudly, he’s trying to impress.

• If he speaks softly, he doesn’t know his subject.

• If he drives an up-to-date car, he’s worldly.

• If he doesn’t drive an updated car, he’s not serious about pastoral work.

• If he visits families, he’s intruding.

• If he doesn’t visit families, he’s uncaring.

• If he asks for donations, he’s money-oriented and greedy.

• If he avoids mentioning money, he’s proud or secretive.

• If he is young, he’s inexperienced.

• If he is old, he should retire.

When he dies, there’s often no-one to take his place.

In the court of public judgment, priests are always guilty. Yet, the same people who tear priests down expect them to be spiritual giants, available 24/7, emotionally perfect, morally spotless, financially humble, liturgically flawless, socially active, academically brilliant, and physically tireless.

No human being can meet these standards. Not one. But somehow, we expect priests to.

Many people don’t want holy priests – they want perfect machines. Yet they also want those machines to behave like servants who must never complain. This is why many priests silently bleed inside.

Behind every Mass is a man who often is exhausted. Behind every smile is someone who is judged unfairly.

Behind every mistake is someone who can be crucified without mercy.

It takes a truly courageous man to say ‘Yes’ to God in a world drowning in pleasure, lust, and self-worship. It takes a self-denying man to choose sacrifice over comfort. It takes a spiritually brave man to stand at the altar every day, knowing he will be judged by the same people he’s praying for.

If you truly love your priest, don’t wait for scandals, sickness, crises, or burnout to pray for him.

Try to be gentle.

Let’s note this: to everyone, and in particular to Catholics, without Priests, there will be neither the Eucharist, nor any spiritual nourishment for our souls. Perhaps we could make this Christmas a healing one for our priests, with prayer and gentleness of approach.

If you go over the points above, you’ll see that many of them relate directly to the opinions that the Jewish people had concerning Our Lord. In fact, the Priest is called to be an Other Jesus – an Imitation of Christ – not only at Mass, but in every aspect of life lived in Society. It must be admitted that most do their best, and that much still has to be done to reflect Jesus.