The Priest and His Family
The Priest and His Family (1)
General Idea of the Lecture
The lecture discusses the priest’s responsibility toward his family, considering the home as the first extension of priestly service. Success in managing his household is a fundamental measure of his ability to shepherd the Church of God.
First: The Priest’s Home as a Spiritual Model
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III emphasizes that the priest’s home must be spiritually exemplary, characterized by simplicity and holiness, far from luxury and excessive appearance that may cause the people to stumble. The home, in its appearance and conduct, reflects the image of the priesthood before others.
Second: The Priest’s Wife and Her Role
The priest’s wife is an essential partner in the success of the ministry. She is expected to be humble, calm, and not interfere in church administration or dominate servants. She must also preserve the secrets of the church and of the priest, especially matters related to confessions and sensitive pastoral issues.
Third: The Danger of Interference and Control
The lecture warns against the priest’s wife interfering in his decisions or pressuring him to change his opinions, as this weakens the priest’s image and causes people to doubt his spiritual stability, making his decisions appear as though they are not guided by the Holy Spirit.
Fourth: Jealousy and Psychological Struggles
Uncontrolled jealousy from some priests’ wives—whether toward female confessors or female servants—can create serious problems, placing pressure on the priest and potentially leading him into grave mistakes, including indirect disclosure of confession secrets.
Fifth: Financial Matters and Appearance
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III stresses that excessive financial demands and extravagance from the priest’s wife may push the priest toward improper ways of obtaining money, harming his reputation and ministry. Excessive adornment and luxury also contradict the simplicity of the priestly calling.
Sixth: Raising the Priest’s Children
The priest’s success begins in his home. His children must be raised properly so that they do not become a cause of stumbling or complaint within the church. The children of a priest have no authority to control or interfere in church service.
Seventh: The Positive Role of the Priest’s Wife
The priest’s wife can be a true helper through quiet support, organization, and discreet assistance, without self-promotion or domination, maintaining a spirit of service rather than leadership.
Spiritual Conclusion
The lecture affirms that the righteousness of the priest cannot be separated from the righteousness of his family, and that priesthood is a lived message in the home before it is practiced at the altar. A righteous wife and a stable family are essential pillars for a successful ministry.
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