Dearest friends, there is a Catholic Culture that is fast eroding us; and that is Charity towards Priestsย and by extension, towards Seminarians and mission work.
The charity we mean here is a FREE one that has no ulterior motives. It involves supporting the priest, financially, morally, spiritually, etc. It has nothing in connection with the prevalent commercialization of miracles; whereby a person is told to sow this seed (money) in order to get this fruit (miracle). It is a charity done to a priest, not necessarily connected with a Church crusade or adoration.
For example, some persons pray for priests everyday, some support the priest with some amount of money or other material things monthly, some others train seminarians annually, etc. The above is actually a Catholic Culture that we inherited from the Scriptures. I will explain later๐๐ผ
In one of my apostolic works as a Seminarian, I met a woman. As we were discussing, she opened up to me about a decision she made before God. Though she didn’t want to say it, but maybe she confided in me because of the subject of our discussion then. She said that she promised God that until her death, she will always ensure that there is RED OIL in the parish house (Fathers’ house/Rectory) for their meals. She said that she sends this oil frequently and sometimes, she asks the cook if they still have oil. What a convinced ACT of FAITH!ย Honestly, I was really touched by that.
Unfortunately, some persons in our time do not know about this Culture of Charity towards the priests and some others think that is is not necessary to do that.
Now, do not forget that it was through the charity of the Shunemmite womanย to the prophet Elisha that the gift of a child came to her and the husband (Cf. 2 Kgs 4:8-16). Abraham and Sarah had similar experience (Cf. Gen 18:1-15). Again, the charity of Martha and Mary towards Jesus, surely contributed to the restoration of their brother Lazarus to life (Cf. Lk 10:38-42, Jn 11:1-44). To crown it all, Jesus himself made this POWERFUL promise: โWhoever will give you, even a cup of water because you are my disciple, I tell you, that person MUST receive his reward” (Cf. Matt 10:42). Do not forget that priests are prophets and they are also โAlter Christus‘ (Another Christ).
Do you know why the Church encourages the faithful to always support the priests? It is because the priest is meant to give his ๐ฏ time in the service of the faithful. He has no wife and children. He thinks about the well-being of the faithful and prays for them everyday. Despite his many academic qualifications, he is expected to always be available to serve the faithful. He is not meant to go about seeking for white collar jobs or business connections. If he chooses to be doing that, it would have serious negative spiritual effects on the faithful. Thus, the Church legislates thus:
Christ’s faithful have the obligation to provide for the needs of the Church so that the Church has what is necessary for divine worship, for apostolic works and works of charity and for the worthy support of its ministers” (Cf. Can. 222 ยง 1).
They are also obliged to promote social justice and help the poor ( Cf. ยง 2).
We pray the good Lord to help us to always value and support our priests for selfless services they are rendering to humanity. Amen๐๐ฝ
Happy Sunday and remain blessed!
(CATECHESIS โNKUZI NKE OKWUKWE’ FOR THE 13TH SUNDAY OF THE YEAR (A)
READINGS: R1: 2 Kgs 4:8-11.14-16a, R2: Rom 6:3-4.8-11, Gosp. Matt 10:37-42)
