Posted on 09/24/2013 4:57:52 PM PDT by Salvation
September 7th, 2010 by Fr. Kyle Schnippel
Last week, I had the opportunity to con-celebrate Mass with two priests who, together, have 120 years of priestly experience. Only bringing 6 years to the Altar myself, I was somewhat in awe of the two aged servants who have toiled long in the vineyard of the Lord.
As I reflect back on this Mass, and as I have continued to grow in friendship with these two men (who are both old enough to be my grandfather!), I continue to marvel at the great gift of the priesthood for the Church. Here we are, three men from two dramatically different generations, united by a common bond of priesthood, sharing in the one Sacrifice of Our Lord.
As I stood back, I pondered what drew me to these two men. In any other profession or career, I doubt our paths would have crossed. They would both have long since been retired; yet here we were, united by the Altar. I marveled at their deep love for the Eucharist, the joy in celebrating Mass, in preaching to the people, and an obvious love for the Blessed Virgin Mary whom we were celebrating at this Mass.
More than anything, this is what has drawn me. These two aged priests one who can barely walk, one who winters in Florida to escape sometimes brutal Cincinnati winters both have a keen and profound spirituality, a depth of personality and meaning, a close connection with Our Lord and Our Lady. I can only hope to have a portion of their spirit when (if?) I reach their age and service.
As I have gotten to know these two priests, I discovered how they have developed such a deep and personal connection with our Lord: they have suffered. Fr. B. spent six months in the hospital in the early 80s, hanging on after given a slim chance of recovery; Fr. S. has had to move to Florida for his health reasons. Through these struggles, and many others which I am sure I dont know about, they have been united with Christ on His Cross, and are now particular channels for His grace to flow, even in their older age or perhaps I should say, especially in their old age. Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by virtuous living (Proverbs 16:31).
While I certainly do not look forward to suffering and struggle, if it brings me to the same place it has brought these two holy examples of the priesthood, I hope I am able to endure it with grace and embrace it with gratitude.
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We had to have one positive thread today! LOL!
ROFL... yes, indeed! :)
indeed, the suffering we do, united with how Christ suffered bares much fruit....we sometimes forget that when we are in the depths of whatever pain, physical or spiritual.....it is a great gift....
I visit the Adirondacks every so often and during one visit I read an account of St. Isaac Jogues, the 17th century French Jesuit active in New York and Canada. Every time he described some difficulty, either fierce cold, shortages of food, or predation by hostile Indians, he began his account with, “The Lord favored us with His cross . . . .”
that is a wonderful way to look at it, very hard to put in to practice, but i see the wisdom of it....
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