Editor’s note: We recently received a very insightful piece of feedback on a paragraph that was included in the LOOP. Please find below a letter to the LOOP team from Fr. Timothy Skoch of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas.
Dear LOOP Editor,
In a recent Loop edition dated Friday, August 30th, one of the headlines stated: ‘Two Ways to Support Priests.’ The headline was linked to a fine article originally published by Fr. David Michael. However, the message inviting one to click on the article missed the mark. It read: “If you’re not a priest, imagine the burden and loneliness of such a vocation, and the constant criticism…”
I understand the perception among the faithful in regards to the loneliness of the priesthood. I have been a Catholic my whole life and a Sunday churchgoer and at times I myself have thought “Father looks tired.” However, as an ordained priest of just over one year, it is far from the truth that being a priest makes one lonely, or burdened, or even overly criticized.
At the heart of the Gospel is a love between the Father and the Son. At the heart of this love is joy, as Jesus says: “these things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:11) A vocation, whether it be in marriage, as a consecrated religious, a diocesan priest, etc., takes consistency, commitment, and a constant “yes”. This “yes” takes our everything and relies on much grace; it is a sacrifice acceptable to the Father.
Yet, it is in this sacrificial character that the secret and heart of the Gospel is unlocked, the joy of being in union with Jesus Christ. Jesus says: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29) In our vocational ‘yes’, our union with Jesus is the answer to the demands of our work.
Any vocation can indeed be a burden, or one of loneliness. This is the weight of the cross. When we enter into the mystery of the love between the Father and the Son, then everything can become sweet. We can say with Christ, just as the priest does when he puts on the chasuble, “my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11: 30)
Participation in the priesthood of Jesus Christ has been a tremendous gift. The young altar server in me may even say “a dream come true.” Many faithful, specifically many parishioners, have been supportive and encouraging. The priesthood takes a lot of work, but so does every vocation, oftentimes silent contemplative work. May we be supportive of all holy vocations and remember that in Christ Jesus, especially in the Eucharist, is found a yoke that is easy, a burden made light!
Blessings on your ministry,
Fr. Timothy
