Saturday night, the Mass I went to was offered for Fr. Ron Columbo. He was a priest in the area and at my parish until I was 17. I was reflecting on how great of a priest he was and how much of an impact he had on my faith. Having him as a priest for so long, throughout all of my childhood and into high school, the most formative years in life, was truly a blessing and great gift. One thing that stands out about him is how accessible he made the faith to people, sharing simply about loving Jesus and others. This made me reflect on all of the clergy and religious who have been part of my life and have impacted me. You too, likely can think of many who have impacted your life. Have we thanked them?
There are many amazing and generous priests, deacons, and religious sisters in the Church. A lot of them have so much on their plates, yet they show up to serve us so selflessly. Many have worked hard to deepen their own faith and cultivate their relationships with Jesus, and it flows into the way they live and how they serve. While continuing to walk their own faith journeys, they show up to be part of ours.
It is through the example, witness, and guidance of several priests, deacons, and a religious sister, that I have learned what it looks like to love and live as a disciple of Jesus. And for that, I am so grateful to God for these people who have and continue to live the faith well. Hopefully you too have experienced ordained and religious in your life who have been a great example. Have we thanked them?
I think a lot of times, we might hold them to a certain standard, maybe unintentionally, since they are leaders who have been ordained or taken religious vows. But they too experience challenges and problems. And they likely experience an immense weight of the responsibility of leading others to Christ and taking care of souls. Have we thanked them and let them know the impact they’ve had on us? And if they have died, do we pray for their souls? Even though it seems small, I think it could make a big difference if we let them know that what they have done and are doing matters. It might be the encouragement they need to keep it up and know that they are making a difference.
Priests, deacons, and religious pray for us, and we too should be praying for them, both in life and after their deaths. Hopefully, you can easily call to mind all those who have been and are part of your life. May we all thank God for the gift of those in the Church who He has given to guide us and serve us.
Faith and The Good Stuff 