What is the difference between priests? They all do the same thing, don’t they? They are all Catholic, aren’t they?
The ready answer is simply yes with a caveat thrown in, not all who say they are priests are really priests. Here in our parish, too often “wolves in sheep’s clothing” show up and do all sorts of ceremonies for a price: weddings, baptisms, confirmations, First Communions, and XV celebrations. All of these are nothing short of false, in spite of realistic-looking certificates. Along with these, YouTube and Facebook are also rife with “priest celebrities” that are eloquent enough to make lies sound like the truth. It is a lie to think that the way to God is through fear and devotions contaminated with superstition!
Besides the above, yes, all priests are Catholic, they all celebrate the sacraments, and most significantly, their vocation flows from the same baptismal font. All vocations are in a certain way, an intensification of the grace of Baptism.
But, there are some basic differences – specifically when the comparison is between Religious and diocesan clergy. A shorthand way of thinking about it is to note the difference between St. Peter (diocesan) and St. Paul (Religious). St. Peter can largely be seen as the person who has a particular ministry, that of authority. He has the keys, he is responsible for the institution. St. Paul, on the other hand, is the one who has been gifted and called by the Lord to “go to the gentiles”.
In other words, the diocesan clergy are ordained for ministry in a particular geographical area, a diocese, the Religious clergy are not ordained for a parƟcular diocese, their service is generally focused on specific ministries and not specific geographic locations. These specific ministries are related to the “charism” of the particular Order or Religious Institute. Missionary Servants, for example, identify with exercising their ministry with and among those who are spiritually or materially abandoned. Furthermore, the how of our ministry is with the laity. By virtue of Baptism, every Catholic is called to be an Apostle, and Missionary Servants make it their aim to support and encourage the leadership of laity in all apostolic ministry.
And all of this comes together with last week’s celebration of Brother’s Day. Again, using Missionary Servants as an example. Our core identity is that of a Brother. God has blessed us with an experience of Christ that is never far away from the mental sorrows at Gethsemane or his death on the Cross. We find that it is in these places where God reveals himself as Trinity. This experience bonds us together as brothers. Together we follow the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Together we reverence the Trinity as we walk in the footsteps of the Apostles, who left all in order to follow Christ. Some of us will give expression to this calling by accepting priesthood ordination, and some of us will be called Missionary Brothers as they minister in an exciting variety of ways: A doctor, a teacher, a psychologist, a farmer, a preacher.
In all we are mindful that the body of Christ has many members, there are a variety of gifts and ministries, and only one Lord.
Let us together continue to celebrate Brothers Day, and together celebrate all vocations – including yours!
Father Francisco Gómez, S.T.