(Inspired by the humorous essay
“A Priest Is Always Wrong,” author unknown.)
If a priest starts Mass exactly on time,
he respects everyone’s schedule.
If he starts a few minutes late,
he is making sure everyone has a chance to arrive.
If his homily is long,
he is feeding souls with the Word of God.
If his homily is short,
he knows how to get straight to the point.
If he visits many families,
he is a dedicated shepherd.
If he stays in the rectory,
he is faithfully attending to parish affairs.
If he smiles and jokes with people,
he is approachable and human.
If he is serious,
he is focused on his sacred responsibilities.
If he renovates the church,
he is preserving God’s house for future generations.
If he postpones renovations,
he is being prudent with parish resources.
If he asks for donations,
he is providing for the needs of the Church.
If he does not ask for donations,
he trusts in Divine Providence.
If he drives a nice car,
his parishioners take good care of him.
If he drives an old car,
he is a model of simplicity.
If he dresses neatly,
he honors the dignity of his office.
If he dresses simply,
he practices humility.
If he spends time with the young,
he is investing in the future of the Church.
If he spends time with the elderly,
he honors those who built the Church.
If he is active on social media,
he is evangelizing the digital world.
If he avoids social media,
he prefers real and personal encounters.
If he speaks firmly against sin,
he is courageous.
If he speaks gently to sinners,
he is merciful.
If he is busy,
he is hardworking.
If he rests,
he is taking care of the instrument God uses.
If he succeeds,
God deserves the glory.
If he struggles,
God is still at work.
If people praise him,
he remains God’s servant.
If people criticize him,
he remains God’s servant.
If he is loved,
he thanks God.
If he is misunderstood,
he trusts God.
Therefore, a priest is always right…
Not because he never makes mistakes.
Not because he is better than everyone else.
Not because he knows everything.
Not because he is intelligent.
Not because he is holy.
Not because he wears a Roman collar.
A priest is always right only when
he seeks God’s will more than his own.
A priest is always right only when
he leads people to Christ rather than to himself.
A priest is always right only when,
despite his weaknesses, he continues to serve,
continues to forgive, continues to pray,
and continues to love.
For the measure of a priest is not perfection.
The measure of a priest is faithfulness.
A faithful priest, even when he stumbles,
remains on the right path because
he continues to follow Christ.
A priest is not irreplaceable
because no one can take his position.
A priest is irreplaceable because
no one can take his place
in the lives he has touched.
Therefore, pray for your priests.
Pray for them when they succeed.
Pray for them when they struggle.
Correct them when necessary.
Encourage them whenever possible.
Forgive them when they fail.
Love them despite their weaknesses.
Because the devil works overtime
to make them wrong.
And pray that they may remain always right…
by remaining always with the One
who is always right.