OUR ADORABLE JESUS IN THE PRIESTHOOD

Divine Appeal Reflection - 174

Today, consider in Divine Appeal 174: "Many of the... do not know that I am there; they refuse to recognize Me. I need them to know that I am their Brother and Eternal Priest."

Our Adorable Jesus, in His infinite love, calls His priests to recognize His enduring presence in their lives and ministry. As they act in persona Christi, administering the Sacraments and leading the faithful, priests are called to reflect Jesus’ holiness and grace. However, this sacred calling requires a profound personal union with Christ, cultivated through prayer, adoration, and humility. Without this intimate bond, the priestly vocation risks becoming burdensome and sterile. Jesus' appeal serves as a reminder to priests to seek His companionship, especially during moments of isolation or spiritual struggle, trusting in His constant support (cf. Hebrews 4:15).

Tragically, many priests grow distant from this relationship, falling into spiritual apathy where their ministry becomes a routine devoid of fervor. When the Eucharist, the source and summit of the priestly life, is celebrated without true recognition of Jesus’ Real Presence, it diminishes the transformative power of the Sacraments and wounds the Church. This loss of spiritual zeal not only grieves the heart of our Adorable Jesus but also hampers the mission to bring souls to Him. To counter this apathy, priests must recommit to a life of prayer and sacrifice, embracing practices such as daily Holy Hours and frequent confession. As the Catechism reminds us, the ministerial priesthood is ordained for the sanctification of others and must be rooted in the priest's own spiritual vitality (cf. CCC 1547).

In His Divine Appeal, Jesus reveals Himself as both Brother and Eternal Priest. As Brother, He invites His priests to a relationship of intimacy, offering His friendship and understanding of their human struggles. This closeness is a profound comfort, as He walks with them, sharing their burdens and joys. As Eternal Priest, Jesus calls them to reflect His sacrificial love and mercy to the faithful, reminding them that their vocation is not just a duty but a participation in His redemptive work. In this dual relationship, priests are strengthened to fulfill their mission with love and devotion, knowing that Jesus accompanies them always (cf. John 15:15).

The faithful are also called to play a vital role in supporting priests through prayer and sacrifice, ensuring they remain united with Christ in their ministry. St. John Vianney aptly described the priesthood as "the love of the heart of Jesus," underscoring the sacred responsibility priests bear in reflecting our Adorable Jesus to the world. Let us pray fervently for all priests to rediscover the presence of Jesus in their lives and to live out their vocation with renewed zeal, trusting fully in the grace of their Eternal Brother and High Priest.

Prayer

Our Adorable Jesus, in Your infinite love, guide Your priests to recognize Your enduring presence in their lives and ministry. Strengthen them to act in persona Christi, reflecting Your holiness and grace. May they seek intimacy with You through prayer and humility, and never grow weary in their sacred calling. 

Sr. Anna Ali of the Most Holy Eucharist, intercede for us.