The Possibility of Cooperation
The Possibility of Cooperation
The priest-father is not merely an individual working in the Church; rather, he works with groups of deacons and servants, and he also has a Church Council of lay leaders. There are also committees and activities in the Church made up of those working in social service, and in the club, the workshop, and the library.. There are other employees as well, such as the ‘arif, the custodian, and perhaps the clerk too.
There may also be one or more fellow priests with the priest-father, who may be senior or junior to him in ordination.
So what is the priest’s position with all these people? Can he cooperate with them, or does he clash? And how is his clash? Violent or calm? And what effect does that have on the service? And on people’s view of the priesthood, its spirituality, and its idealism?
The ideal priest can cooperate with everyone, with all love and gentleness.. Even if he finds that they have an opposing opinion, he can benefit from their opinions, or convince them, or give up his own opinion, and not cling to it in a way that leads to friction.. Nor does he abolish the personality of others.
The greatest problem that afflicts many priest-fathers is individualism in work! He wants to be everything.
The one who works with him finds himself in an awkward position: either he submits, convinced or unconvinced.. Or he withdraws from the field of service, after a battle or without a battle.. Or the matter continues and becomes complicated.. Each group tries to appeal to the people and win them over..!
No matter how gifted the priest may be, he cannot succeed without cooperation.
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