Thoughts

Reflection 1 on Counsels on the Christian Priesthood (St John of Kronstadt) chapters 1-3

The extract from this book continues the basic theme of the other readings in demonstrating both the extreme weight of responsibility of the priesthood and also its glory. The strongest impression from this text is the intensity and sincerity with which St John prayed for his people (“he was above all a ‘genius of prayer’”[1]). Out of his prayer, miracles came. In his prayer, he worked tirelessly for the benefit of the souls who were entrusted to him – there was no opposition between his prayer and its practical outplaying in his life’s work. How much this convicts us when we read of someone living out our faith this deeply: “we all shrink from the fundamental demands which the Christian faith… makes upon us” and, phrased as a greater challenge, “He was a man of outstanding faith… and I, alas, am not… why am I not?” [2] The answer to this latter question is provided by St John himself who says that it is essential to “live in a state of constant watchfulness”, “without ceasing praise and thank the Lord” (cf. 1 Thess 5:17), and “always be striving after holiness, with fasting… with humility of mind, obedience and patience.”[3]

In order to be able to heal others, a priest must “strive to be free himself from spiritual infirmities”. Attachment to ‘earthly cares’ needs to be laid aside: “If he is frightened of man, it means that he does not yet entirely cleave to God.”[4] He describes this attachment as a “wall” which we have to “pierce” by prayer.[5] But earthly cares are not the only difficulty: St John points out that the more holy the task, the greater the temptation and attack of the devil, whether it be through sloth, depression, despair or just doubt over the purpose of long prayers[6]. But the priesthood is not only a harbinger of greater spiritual attack, it is also a provision of weapons to use in the conflict: invoking the Holy Spirit over the Holy Gifts in the Liturgy brings confidence that he will come also in other situations[7]. The work of a priest is full of reminders and experiences that should bring him close to God, and if he can live a holy life, his prayer can “work wonders”[8].

[1] p11, Grisbrooke quoting G.P. Fedotov

[2] p16 and p27

[3] p35

[4] p38

[5] p54

[6] See pp43-44

[7] p54

[8] p56

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