The Sanctity of the priest

     Today, I saw a beloved priest, standing in line for Confession. I sat and prayed most earnestly for him after thinking to myself that this man is also a human. When I think of priests, I usually look at them as above all of us, because in a way, they are. Their hands and hearts are Sanctified, the day they took their Holy Orders and were ordained as Apostles of God. They are human also. Their souls are tempted just like ours. Their days are filled with busy schedules of Weddings, Funerals, Baptisms, Confessions and every other duty they must oblige to in their role as "Father". Within the midst of busy scheduling can come loneliness, confusion, isolation and any other emotion we as lay people feel. The devil's greatest target. Our emotions. I am grateful for all the wonderful priests I've been privileged to meet and trust. They need our daily prayers. Besides the downfall of "our" human souls, the triumph of the evil one tries to achieve the downfall of a priest more, whose Holy hands are Sanctified. The suggestions of temptation that our unruly ears hear from the evil one are magnified much more to those who have been chosen to be Apostles of Jesus Christ. Just as Jesus Christ Himself was tempted on the mount, so are all priests. The more sanctified one is, the harder the evil one tries. 

     Pray daily for our Beloved Shepherds. That the Mantle of Mary always covers them and keeps them sheltered under Her Most Holy protection. Safe and secure, where the Angels may guide our Holy priests in their providential calling and protection.