We recall the scene from the Acts of the Apostles in which the famous pair, Peter and John, were sent forth and, even in the midst of fierce opposition, remained undaunted in their faith and zeal, reaching the point where the officials asked: “What are we to do with these men?”
....
There may be a tendency to be overwhelmed and to identify with the doubt of the prophet Jeremiah and state reasons why you feel unworthy of God’s call. Yet, in the midst of all this, the Lord our God provides you with powerful assurances. He says to you, as He did to Jeremiah: “Have no fear because I am with you to deliver you.” In the Gospel, Jesus promises you, as He did His disciples, that He consecrates you in Truth with the power to sustain the resistance of the world. And Saint Paul provides direction that I hope and pray you will remember each and every day: “Whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God supplies.”
....
Many times you will hear the faithful express to you their desire to be reconciled to God as they acknowledge their human weakness and sinfulness. Through you, especially in the Sacrament of Penance, the faithful will be made ever more aware of God’s great love and of the truth that no sin is greater than His infinite mercy.
....
In many different ways the faithful, including our young people, will convey to you that they are disillusioned with the empty promises of the world. They seek the Truth and nourishment that will sustain them. How blessed are you to preach the Gospel with conviction and compassion. Be sure to remember the words of St. Paul: “We do not preach ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord!” In addition, how blessed will you be to administer the Sacraments and especially to offer daily the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass so that God’s people are nourished with the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation, the true and eternal gifts that satisfy our spiritual hunger and thirst.
....
We witness a miracle as these candidates, through the laying on of hands and the Prayer of Ordination, are ordained and forever configured to the very person of Jesus Christ. The Ordination Prayer speaks about the ministry of the priest: to be a worthy co-worker with the Bishop, to preach the Gospel, to be a faithful steward of the sacred mysteries. The Prayer also calls forth the gift of the Holy Spirit to make these men holy and ever faithful.
....
You will have to work hard, but must be able to awake each new day with renewed vigor and zeal. This can only occur if you heed the words of Jesus who says: “Remain in My love.” So, never allow the busyness of priestly ministry to take you away from your highest priorities: being still with the Lord each and every day in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament; praying fervently, including the daily recitation of the Liturgy of the Hours and turning to Our Blessed Mother for her powerful intercession.
