Life is Busy

I haven’t had time to post anything in three days. Life is busy. I was on the road yesterday and today, and have been enjoying and consumed by family gatherings and celebrations.

I and others had the good fortune of hearing an excellent homily this morning given by Deacon Kevin from the Diocese of Green Bay. His presentation style was great and his points were well-made with a simplicity that all could enjoy. 

I couldn’t help but notice the contrast between Deacon Kevin’s appearance and liturgical manner and that of the presiding priest. I think Father was a bit preoccupied or something. His health was obviously not the best either despite his relative youth, so he had to lean against a kneeler as he prayed the Eucharistic Prayer. 

I don’t know what it is really. Perhaps the life of a parish priest is so much more emotionally and physically draining than that of a deacon, but we married men and fathers know from first hand experience that living the life of a husband and dad can at times be quite demanding. We permanent deacons who still maintain a career in addition to our family responsibilities and our diaconal ministry in parishes or the wider community know that 14 – 18 hour days are not uncommon. What is it then, that seems to exhaust our priests?

In light of the subject matter of my last post (by the way, that story remains in the local headlines), I can’t help but wonder what we can do to better encourage and support our priests, and what they can do to maintain their physical, emotional and spiritual health.

Any thoughts from you, the readers of this weblog?