Deepertruth: Brian and Jeffrey preparing for the Priesthood! We need Great men!

In the Gospel according to Saint John, Jesus instructs us that we should “not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life” (Jn 6:27).  In these words, we can see the importance and purpose of the Priesthood for the world today.  The priesthood is an irreplaceable and indispensable vocation in the world because he exists to proclaim the truth that it is in Christ and His Gospel that we come to eternal life.  The priest works for the food that endures for eternal life, not the food that perishes with the end of this earthly life.

Once, when Saint John Vianney, Patron Saint of Priests, was on his way to his assignment as the parish priest in the little town of Ars, France, he got lost.  He found himself among the fields, in a fog of inclement weather.  Once he found a path on which to walk he encountered a young man of only 12 or 14 years.  He said to him: “Young man, if you show me the way to Ars, I will show you the way to Heaven!”  This simple priest could make such a bold statement because he knew his priestly identity and the importance of the Priesthood.  He knew that the priest exists in order to lead people to heaven and that he was called to work for what lasts for eternity.

Saint Paul in the Letter to the Romans writes: “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach?” (Romans 10:13-15)  These questions are relevant to us today, in our world and in our particular Archdiocese of Boston.  The Gospel transforms and gives life to those who believe and follow, but if there is no one to proclaim it, then the world will not be able to receive it.  The priest exists to proclaim the life changing and life-giving Gospel.