Review article
Prayer and permanent formation as the duties of priestly life
Taras Barščevski
orcid.org/0000-0003-2132-1105
; Catholic Faculty of Theology - University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Prayer is integral to the identity, spiritual life, and ministerial duties of a priest. It is typically expressed through words and ritualistic forms, yet it finds its most privileged expression within the human heart—a place of dialogue between the divine call and the human response. In the depths of his heart, a priest unites with Christ and engages in the filial discourse between Jesus and the Father. This intimate invitation from Christ to "be with Him" is actualized in the priest’s fellowship with other clergy, united by shared ordination and mission. Reflecting on the exemplar of prayer provided by Jesus in the Gospels, we recognize the indispensability of prayer and scriptural engagement in priestly service, necessitating earnest endeavor and steadfastness. The focus is not on the ritualistic aspects of prayer but on the continuous pursuit of growth “in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18), allowing prayer to suffuse every aspect of a priest’s existence and ministry. This process of unending formation encompasses human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral dimensions. Its aim is to assist priests in fervently fulfilling their vocation, conferred through holy orders: to preserve, safeguard, and enhance their unique identity and mission, thus consecrating themselves and their congregants through their ministry. The realization of this calling is contingent upon their engagement with, and guidance by, the Word of God in their daily lives and pastoral work, with the caliber of this engagement largely depending upon the cultivation of a “noble and good heart” (cf. Luke 8:15), vigilantly protected against “wicked thought” (cf. Deuteronomy 15:9).
Keywords
Priest; prayer; Eucharist; Liturgy of the Hours; ongoing formation; synodality; heart
Hrčak ID:
314673
URI
Publication date:
29.2.2024.
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