Priest: A Zealous Pastor
The priest, who does not possess this zeal [for the mission of Christ] is in great danger of losing his own soul, as well as endangering the souls of others (Lett., 1092, p. 236).
The priest is called to be a zealous pastor. According to St. Vincent Pallotti, a priest must possess true zeal for the mission of Christ. For it is the zeal for the kingdom of God that gives dynamism and purposefulness to the life and activity of a priest. Without genuine zeal and enthusiasm, his life becomes static, inactive and purposeless. A static and purposeless life is unproductive. If a priest is not able to be productive pastorally, a degree of uselessness and meaninglessness sets in his life. When a priest finds that there is no meaning in his life, he will be in great danger of losing his vocation. If this happens, he will never be able to work for the salvation of his neighbor, but instead he will endanger the salvation of his neighbor as well as his own. Hence, St. Vincent advised his followers to cultivate a genuine zeal for God and his mission. In his own life, he was a zealous and enthusiastic priest who loved Christ and his mission. He was involved in a number of confraternities and pious associations from his younger years. His zeal for God’s kingdom made him found the Union of Catholic Apostolate for the purpose of reviving faith and re-enkindling charity among Catholics and propagating the same among non-believers. It is this dynamic and zealous spirit for the kingdom of God that St. Vincent wanted to communicate to his followers. In doing so, he made them priests who are zealous pastors.
Do I acknowledge the priest as a zealous pastor? Do I understand the necessity of cultivating a genuine zeal for Christ’s mission? Do I recognize the danger associated with the lack of true zeal for the kingdom of God? How can I imbibe the apostolic zeal of St. Vincent Pallotti and implement it in my apostolate?
Practice these duties, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. (I Tim. 4: 15)