MINDFUL OF the apostle's injunction—"Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, for you know that we who teach shall be judged with greater strictness" [Jas 3:1]—a priest understands that his desire for union with God will be tested harshly in this world and judged strictly in the next. In Sacred Scripture we read, "Every one to whom much is given, of him will much be required; and of him to whom men commit much they will demand the more." [Lk 12:48]
A PRIEST is sent into the disordered and darkened world to bear the life and the light of Christ. Though aided by the Spirit, some priests will fail to pursue the spiritual quest to its beatific end. They will yield to fear and turn away from the narrow gate, the cross of Christ! [cf. Mt 7:13-14] The priestly failure to keep the evangelical counsels--living simply, chastely and in obedience to lawful authority--will be the downfall of a multitude of souls, for children on milk cannot lead other children to solid food.
