Poetic reflection of an elderly Priest

 Parce, Domine

A Priestly Reflection

O Lord, I have no words strong or beautiful enough
To convey my heart’s joy, my love, my gratitude.
I can only echo the words of Your great servant, Thomas Aquinas:
Laus et jubilatio — praise and joy.

The path I chose was marked by strain and denial,
Yet through those days of formation, of self-deprivation,
You guided me to a place of joy and peace.
In times of darkness and confusion,
You showed me the right path.

I remember Your call as I walked home after Mass,
Alone, my rosary beads slipping through my fingers.
To work for You and preach Your message
Became a silent mission within my heart.

Your call came decisively on that quiet walk from church.
I was sixteen; the world was opening lightly and brightly before me.
My friends planned for college and bright futures,
But You were already within me, strong and insistent.
I did not think of academic life or a prosperous career,
Though academically I was well-placed.

Yet You worked wonders in my life,
Granting me the grace to study both in India and abroad.
Your kindness and generosity defy words.

My years as a teacher, my time as college president —
These were Your gifts, enabling me
To touch and guide the lives of many young people.
Countless were the chances You gave me
To help them blossom and bear fruit.
Seeing their growth and achievements,
My heart overflows with joy.

I knew the priestly life would demand sacrifice,
But You were always there — my support, my guide.
Through every phase of my priesthood,
I felt Your presence shining within me,
A radiant light revealing Your will.

Through storms and tribulations,
Through thick clouds and thunder,
Your light never ceased to shine.
You were my lodestar on this priestly journey.

Your words have made me gentle and compassionate.
Your walk upon the sea, and the words, “Do not be afraid” —
These have been the rock upon which I stand.

I remember, too, my failures and lapses,
My sins and falls.
Yet You were always there to lift me,
To set me on my feet again.
In those dark moments, Your words —
“I came to call sinners, not the righteous” —
Brought me courage and peace.

Is a priest’s life a gift or a mystery?
As the great evangelizer, Pope John Paul II, once asked.
I have seen, O Lord, Your hands stretched out upon the cross —
Hands not of wrath, but of caress,
Drawing me into the embrace of Your love.

Now, as the evening of my life
Approaches the shores of eternity,
I see red and orange rays
Breaking across the horizon of my days.
Friends depart. Conversations grow fewer.
The urge to labor fades.

And so I can only pray:

Parce, Domine, parce populo tuo;
Ne in aeternum irascaris nobis.

Spare, O Lord, spare Your people;
Be not angry with us forever.