The lecture explains that priestly service is not a constant display of glory, rather it is carrying a cross with many faces: trials, suffering, persecutions, internal and external problems that make the service a true cross for the priest.

Elements of the cross in service

• Envy and resistance from Satan and his helpers, and what results from that of slanders, rumors, conspiracies, stirring and betrayal.

• Being watched and working under people’s microscope, accusations and searching for flaws to criticize him.

• Some believers’ disagreement with applying the church law or with spiritual or liturgical procedures resulting in resentment and schism.

• Problems among service colleagues from differences in principle, method, gifts, financial and liturgical matters.

• Physical and psychological exhaustion from intensive service, and lack of fruit for the toil in some cases which afflicts the priest with discouragement.

Spiritual remedy and required qualities

• The need for wisdom, prayer, patience, long-suffering and forgiveness, with a balance between meekness and the ability to admonish and correct when necessary.

• The necessity for the priest’s heart to be wide, to accept and forgive, yet he also carries great responsibility toward the people and must not abandon his duties.

• A reminder that speaking the truth may cost the priest friends, but honesty and faithfulness to the service are higher.

Practical conclusion

Service is a stage of spiritual and human conflicts: from divisions and disagreements and exaggerated demands to even threats of leaving or apostasizing. The priest must endure with prayer and grace, and balance mercy and justice, and forgive whatever the offenses, while maintaining his spiritual and practical responsibilities.

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