The Priest and the Spiritual Approach – Money – Anger
General Message of the Lecture
The lecture revolves around the spiritual approach that a priest must embody in his service, focusing on his stance toward money and the control of anger, as two essential tests of the purity of service and the truth of spiritual fatherhood.
First: The Spiritual Approach in Ministry
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III emphasizes that a priest’s goals must be spiritual, and likewise his means and style. Ministry is not mere activity, movement, or organization, but a spiritual life manifested in teaching, pastoral visits, confession, dialogue, and preaching. A harsh, purely intellectual, or merely social approach empties ministry of its essence and repels people.
Second: The Priest’s Attitude toward Money
He stresses that the priest must not love money or profit, nor turn the sacraments and ministry into trade. The money given is God’s money and the poor’s money, and the priest is only a faithful and wise steward. The dignity of priesthood lies in asceticism and giving, not in wealth or appearance. The true priest gives more than he takes and trusts that God will care for him and his children.
Third: Giving as a Path to Blessing
Giving is a continuous spiritual training: in visits, with the sick, with the poor, and in every occasion. Whoever distributes money rather than storing it experiences God’s providence. A church that gives remains close to its people, while one that hoards loses its bond with them.
Fourth: Anger as a Stumbling Sin
Anger is a visible and repelling sin, especially in a priest. The priest’s anger and irritation cause him to lose meekness, humility, and cheerfulness, undermine his spiritual authority, and become a stumbling block to both young and old. The angry priest becomes a domineering leader rather than a father, losing love and longsuffering.
Fifth: The Spiritual Alternative to Anger
Problems are not solved by shouting or authority, but by wisdom, calmness, persuasion, patience, and mercy. Not every mistake requires rebuke or anger. The spiritual approach is what wins hearts and preserves the dignity of the priesthood.
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