My Reflections on Priesthood

 

The Priesthood: A Life of Service and Gratitude

Introduction

In today’s world, the relevance of priesthood is often questioned. Some dismiss it as outdated, while others feel disillusioned by priests who fail to reflect the compassion of Christ. Yet, priesthood remains a sacred calling—a life rooted in love for Jesus and sustained by His grace. My own journey as a priest has been shaped by this love, expressed in teaching, pastoral ministry, and daily encounters with people.

The Heart of Priesthood

At its core, priesthood is not about titles, projects, or positions. As Cardinal Walter Kasper reminds us, what truly matters is reflecting Christ’s compassion. Henri Nouwen described priests as “wounded healers,” reminding us that imperfection is not a barrier but a channel for God’s mercy. Archbishop Fulton Sheen put it simply: the difference between a priest and a prisoner is only that the former was not caught.

Priests must always return to their identity: to be, above all, priests of Jesus Christ. Administrative roles may come, but their mission remains the same—to make Christ present in the world.

Qualities of a Priest Today

Fr. Peter Stravinskas identifies essential qualities for priests in modern times:

• Courage of conviction in faith

• Confidence without arrogance

• Enthusiasm and passion for Christ

• Joy grounded in eternity

• Scholarship and ongoing learning

• Prudence, courtesy, and dignity

These qualities rest on timeless foundations: prayer, obedience, and chastity.

A Teacher and Guide

Some of my happiest memories are of guiding students. On several occasions, I was able to support gifted young people who faced financial difficulties. Many went on to become doctors, engineers, and leaders in their fields. These experiences showed me that priesthood is not only about preaching but also about opening doors for others and nurturing their God-given potential.

Pastoral Ministry in the U.S.

After retiring from college teaching, I served in parish ministry in the United States. These years were deeply fulfilling. Preaching the Word of God and celebrating the Eucharist gave me great joy. Parishioners encouraged me, and on one occasion, a congregation even applauded after my homily—a rare and humbling experience.

Such moments confirmed my belief that the priest’s task is to make Christ present through word and sacrament. For this grace, I remain profoundly grateful.

Celibacy: A Gift and Challenge

Celibacy is both a demanding challenge and a profound gift. Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa observes that celibacy without deep love for Christ becomes a burden, but lived in love, it becomes spiritually fruitful. It requires humility, discipline, companionship, and constant reliance on God’s grace.

The joyful witness of a priest who lives celibacy authentically is itself one of the strongest invitations to new vocations.

Weakness and Mercy

Like all people, priests carry weakness and sin. I often feel unworthy of my calling. Yet, as Thomas Merton writes, our poverty is the soil in which God plants His desire. Henri Nouwen’s vision of priests as “wounded healers” is deeply consoling: our brokenness can become the very place where God’s mercy shines.

Companions on the Journey

Spiritual writers like Thomas Merton and Henri Nouwen have been great companions in my priesthood. Merton’s The Seven Storey Mountain first inspired me in seminary, and visiting his grave at Gethsemane Abbey was a moving experience. Nouwen’s The Wounded Healer affirmed that priests minister out of their own woundedness. These writers remind us that the priestly life, though fragile, is always carried by grace.

Gratitude and the Eucharist

Ultimately, the priestly life is one of gratitude. Every day is a gift; every act of ministry is grace. Gratitude finds its highest expression in the Eucharist, the supreme act of thanksgiving. In celebrating it, the priest unites himself to Christ’s self-offering and becomes a living witness of God’s love.

Conclusion

Priesthood is not a profession but a vocation—a life lived close to Jesus, rooted in gratitude, and sustained by His mercy. It is a call to reflect His love and compassion, even in weakness. To be a priest is to stand as a sign of Christ’s presence in the world, a task beyond human strength but made possible through God’s unfailing grace.

Reflections on my Priestly Life

 As I reach the twilight of my life, I find myself reflecting on my 56 years as a priest. Throughout this journey, I have never doubted my calling. My love for Jesus deeply influenced my decision to pursue the priesthood, as it allowed me to be close to Him and feel His presence in my life.

When it came time to choose between joining the Jesuit order—whose priests had been my teachers in high school—and the diocesan priesthood, I was drawn to the flexibility and freedom that the latter provided. The influence of Archbishop Mar Mathew Kavukattu has been profound in my life. I still remember receiving the first Catechism prize from him during middle school.

One of my most vivid memories is my first meeting with him after my SSLC results were announced. I brought him my certificate, proudly placed in the first class, one of only four in Alleppey schools then. He expressed amazement at my marks in English. Although I didn’t meet him often, I sensed his genuine support for me. After my B.Sc. results, I had the opportunity to visit him at the Bishop’s house, where he invited me to lunch and spoke highly of my academic achievements.

Later, during my first year in Theology, he inquired whether I would be interested in pursuing higher studies in Rome, though the conversation ended with my concerns about family expenses. After my ordination, he didn’t assign me to a parish immediately but instead encouraged me to pursue an MA in English at S.B. College, assuring me that a position would be available by the time I completed my studies. His thoughtfulness and compassion have left a lasting impact on me, and I have never regretted the path he charted for me.

Unfortunately, shortly into my postgraduate studies, he passed away, leaving a significant void in the Church’s leadership. The days of great leaders like Mar Mathew Kavukattu seem to have faded, and it’s disheartening to witness others of lesser intellectual and spiritual caliber occupying those positions.

At the outset of my priesthood, I promised to preach only the love of Jesus. For me, the sermon during Mass is a sacred moment to represent Jesus and interpret His words for the congregation, allowing them to feel His love. I am grateful that people have recognized this central theme in my sermons, whether in the U.S. or Kerala, and I thank the Lord for the opportunity to speak for Him.

I am aware of my shortcomings and rely on the kindness and mercy of the Lord. In recent years, the turmoil surrounding the Synodal decision to implement a uniform mode of Eucharistic celebration has distracted the focus of the Syro-Malabar Church. Some priests’ actions have brought derision and contempt upon the clergy. What could have been resolved through dialogue and education instead became a source of division. It was misguided for leadership to rush into a situation they knew would provoke strong reactions. Older priests are more aware of the conflicting views regarding the new Eucharistic celebration, as two opposing liturgical teachings have been perpetuated in major seminaries. If unanimity were the goal, these divergent teachings should have been addressed long ago.

We often speak of dialogue, discussions, and synodality in our preaching, yet these ideals seem to vanish in practice. There is no real dispute regarding doctrine or the essence of the Catholic faith; rather, the current issues stem from a troubling mix of low-mindedness and hubris, masquerading as spiritual obedience.

As a result, the Church finds itself in a precarious position, with vital matters being overlooked. The Church should lead in providing aid to the sick and disadvantaged while countering negative portrayals in social and entertainment media. Unfortunately, we are failing to inspire our youth, who are drifting away from the Church. Our leaders often lack inspiration, relying on uninspired rhetoric instead of profound insight. We find ourselves guided by average individuals who depend on superficial statements rather than eloquent discourse.

The Syro-Malabar Church and its initiatives have significantly transformed society. Through dedication and sacrifice, we have built a culture that uplifts individuals, irrespective of caste or religion. Our educational institutions, orphanages, and homes for the disabled have empowered thousands to realize their potential. Yet, these critical aspects of the Church are now overlooked in favor of an illusory sense of unity. Even the Holy Father has been drawn into this troubling situation and made a target of ridicule.

I am left wondering why there is no strong leadership within the Church to put an end to this disarray.