A Comforter of the Weary
A Comforter of the Weary
One of the most important qualities of a priest is that he be a comforter of the weary.
This is one of the characteristics of Christ Himself, who said: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
He pronounced woe upon the scribes and Pharisees because “they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders” (Matthew 23:4).
Likewise, priests should be a source of comfort to everyone. Every troubled, distressed, or suffering soul that comes to a priest should find in him someone who does all he can to bring relief, so that the person leaves having been freed from many of their burdens.
For this reason, a priest must be compassionate, gentle with souls, patient with people, loving toward all, and devoted to their well-being. He carries their concerns and helps relieve them.
He should be like the Good Samaritan, who had compassion on the wounded man he found on the road and did everything possible for his healing and comfort, even though he had never known him before (Luke 10:33–35). He should not be like the priest who saw the injured man and passed by.
The ideal priest does not wait for people to come and tell him about their troubles. Rather, whenever he learns of a need from any source, he takes the initiative to seek out those souls and help them, even before they ask. He strives to solve problems with love, sincerity, and self-sacrifice, helping people feel that every problem has a solution.
He does the same in confession, bringing comfort to those who reveal their falls and spiritual struggles.
He never drives anyone to despair. He is not harsh in his correction. He does not impose burdens beyond what a person can bear. He does not wound feelings or embarrass anyone. Nor does he assign spiritual exercises beyond the capacity of the penitent. Instead, he acts with patience and gentleness, supporting the weak and encouraging the fainthearted (1 Thessalonians 5:14), strengthening weak hands and making firm feeble knees (Isaiah 35:3).
He shares in the sorrows of all and bears their pains and sufferings (Isaiah 53:4).
Everyone feels that he is truly a father in the fullest sense of the word—a father who is broad-hearted, patient, deeply sensitive, compassionate, and known for kind and encouraging words. He builds up rather than tears down.
Such a priestly father becomes beloved by all.
People honor him because he is worthy of honor, not merely because of his priesthood. They turn to him with confidence, open their hearts to him without fear, and follow his counsel in faith, trusting that everything he says is for their good.
