As I have progressed through my time in the seminary, I have heard encouragements from multiple formators to avoid one of the most offsetting and unattractive qualities in a priest… clericalism. Clericalism has done damage to the image of the priesthood in the eyes of many of the faithful. It is precisely these sentiments of the authoritative roles of religious denominations that have served as one of the most potent places of scandal. From leaders who are tyrannical in their dealings with the faithful in their congregation to the disinterested, unresponsive leader who is motivated by only self-interest, both scandal and pride have seemingly always been part of the picture with those in leadership positions. The leaders in the first century Jewish context are as imperfect as any in the exercising of their power. In Matthew 23:1-12, Jesus bluntly and publically criticizes the scribes and Pharisees for abusing this power in their cultic and social roles. For us as Catholics, we have the specific controversy around the title “father."
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In the summer of 2015, I was able to do a 30 day silent retreat. During this anointed month, there were many beautiful moments in prayer, and as I returned home, there was a poem idea that had begun to take shape which was centered on the contrast between the light of the mountain of the Transfiguration and the mountain of the Agony in the Garden. I would like to share this poem as one of the fruits of and a testament to an absolutely life-changing month of silence and solitude with Jesus.
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