On the Name of priest
by VP
Posted on Saturday January 30, 2021 at 12:00AM in Articles
This word "priest" signifies or means a man whose duty it is to discharge the functions of divine worship. This is evident from the signification of the word "presbyter,” from which priest is derived. This word "presbyter,” when considered according to the rules of the grammarians, signifies a man who is old and already advanced in years ; but in the secondary and no less important sense, it means a man who is wise, and sensible, and prudent, who no longer either feels or exhibits the lightness or the indiscretion of youth, who is of firm counsel, and whose judgment is matured. These were, ordinarily speaking, the persons who were engaged and employed in the public worship, and by the Fathers of the Church in the primitive times they were called "Majores" not that in reality they were older in years, but only that they were greater and more perfect in morals, for the wise man says that there are two kinds of old age — the one reckoned by the number of years — the other esteemed by the integrity of life. Hence the words of a priest are not necessarily those of a man who is old, but of one who leads an irreproachable life. For this reason they give to them, and suppose in them the qualities of venerable and prudent persons, that they call them "Fathers,” and style them " Reverend.”
Priests: Examine yourselves to see if you are worthy to be reckoned among those whom the Fathers called "Majores ” in the ancient Church. See whether you have the wisdom, the prudence, the judgment, the piety which will make you venerable and respected in the eyes of the people, and acceptable to them. Perhaps you are more remarkable for the levity of youth than for the gravity of morals. It may be that indiscretion is most to be found where it should least exist, and that you exhibit it every day in society; which is unbecoming the dignity, the gravity, and the piety of a priest. Instead of regulating and controlling your passions (as did the Majores of the Primitive Church), perhaps you give them an unbridled license, so that they become a disedification to your ministry, and an oppression to your people. Should these faults exist, regret them with all your sorrow, and resolve to amend, and to provide for their future regulation.
2. From the word “ Sacerdos .”
Consider well what this word “ Sacerdos ” signifies. When considered with regard to God, it signifies one who offers sacrifice. When taken with regard to the people for whom the priest labors, it means “ Sacra dans,” one who gives sacred things ; “ Sacra docens ” one who teaches holy things ; “ Sacer dux,” a sacred or holy leader of the people in all that concerns the worship they give to God, and the sanctification of their souls.
All these terms, as is plain, clearly signify and intimate that the whole duty and employment of a priest are entirely taken up with the Almighty God, and with the people. Should he devote himself to the indulgence of his pleasures or amusements, or give himself up to secular pursuits, he will travel beyond the pale of the duty which is signified by the name he bears ; for it is unbecoming for one bearing the name of priest to mix himself up with worldly affairs, and to abandon the sanctuary where he has been called to labor.
The priest, therefore, should be altogether confined to the labors of his ministry. The name “ priest or sacerdos ” implies that. He is to labor for God by the sacrifices which he offers him, and for the people, by administering the sacraments to them, and instructing them in the Word of God. He should have intercourse with God by constant and fervent prayer, and with the people by communicating to them the lights and graces which he has received in that intercourse. The Almighty God he honors, by rendering Him the sovereign glory and worship which are his due ; and the people he saves by sanctifying their souls in all the exercises of religion. Thus it is that a priest should be worthy of the name he bears.
Priests: See how little you labor for God, and for your people. Behold how devoted you are to the world, and to creatures; how given over to pleasure and amusements. All these things you renounced when you became a priest; and now by returning to them, you disgrace and make little of the name you bear. Resolve never to forget that the name of priest is your name ; and never to abandon the duties of your state for anything else whatsoever.
