|
For Holy Priests
To be Said On Ember days
Most merciful God, Thou Thyself hast assured us:
"The Son of Man came to seek and save what was lost," and for
that reason Thou didst establish the priesthood in Thy Church,
which is to reach every age and nation.
O Jesus, we thank Thee for Thy representatives, who incorporate
us into Thy kingdom through baptism, who teach us Truth Itself,
who cleanse our sin-stained souls, who strengthen us with the Bread
of life, who offer up Thy Holy Sacrifice for us, who dispense all the
sacraments to us. Thou hast vested them with the power of reconciliation
and dost Thyself exhort us by the words of their mouth.
O Jesus, strengthen Thy priests for their difficult vocation and
bless their efforts. Give them the right words to touch cold
and faltering hearts, to teach the ignorant and erring, to console
the sorrowing, to arouse the sinner, and to fortify the just against
temptations. May they live up to Thy desire that they be "the light of the
world." Let them rouse souls of life, encourage watchfulness, and dispel
the darkness of heathenism. Give them the strength and courage which is to
be found in the consciousness of theie holy mission, in the greatness
and beauty of their calling.
"The harvest indeed is abundant, but the laborers are few. Pray therefore,
the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into His harvest."
O Lord, instill the longing for the priesthood into many young hearts.
Send them good priests who will edify them and raise up souls who will pray
for them.
O Jesus, grant that none of us may ever forget Thy words, "You, however, are
a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people" (1 Peter 2:9).
We promise, O Jesus, to support Thy priests by prayer with all our strength.
Forgetful of our own comfort we shall spend ourselves to save the souls for whom
Thou didst pray, " That all may be one, even as Thou, Father, in Me and I in Thee." (John 17:21)
Amen.
|
|
