Another thought!

[Albany]

Hey you know like priests are people like everyone else and they are totally just as sinful, some a lot more than the regular person, then why do they have the authority from Jesus to do what they do?? like absolve sins and consecrate the eucharist.
Its just a thought I had cause was thinking do priests automatically get into heaven or can they be just as damned as everyone else??

Or even more so damned than everyone else cause they know more about heaven and hell so have more responsibility for there actions.

What is everyone elses thought on this.

Albany
xxx

 

[Bookcat]

Yes they can…

Pray for them too.

 

[JRKH]

Hey you know like priests are people like everyone else and they are totally just as sinful, some a lot more than the regular person, then why do they have the authority from Jesus to do what they do?? like absolve sins and consecrate the Eucharist.

We must all strive for perfection - priests as well as laypersons. So - how close to perfect do you think a person needs to be before they are worthy enough (in your opinion) to hear confessions and celebrate mass?

Its just a thought I had cause was thinking do priests automatically get into heaven or can they be just as damned as everyone else??

no priests do not “automatically get into heaven”.

Or even more so damned than everyone else cause they know more about heaven and hell so have more responsibility for there actions.

I cannot speak to the “more damned” aspect, but the normal parish priest does have a grave responsibility before the Lord in answer to how well he led the flock entrusted to him.

Peace
James

 

[Gorgias]

Hey you know like priests are people like everyone else and they are totally just as sinful, some a lot more than the regular person, then why do they have the authority from Jesus to do what they do?? like absolve sins and consecrate the eucharist.

You’ve hit on something important here: priests don’t have authority based on their personal holiness, per se – that is, no one has the “right” or “authority” to act as a priest on their own merits!

That being said, given that Jesus talked about sins being forgiven and eating & drinking his body & blood… so, who should have the authority to do these things, and on what basis?

Its just a thought I had cause was thinking do priests automatically get into heaven or can they be just as damned as everyone else??

No, it’s not “automatic” for anyone.

 

[Albany]

We must all strive for perfection - priests as well as laypersons. So - how close to perfect do you think a person needs to be before they are worthy enough (in your opinion) to hear confessions and celebrate mass?

no priests do not “automatically get into heaven”.

I cannot speak to the “more damned” aspect, but the normal parish priest does have a grave responsibility before the Lord in answer to how well he led the flock entrusted to him.

Peace
James

Hi James thanks for posting.

In response to your question I don’t know who should be worthy and who shouldn’t to do those things. Maybe no human should.

Thanks everyone for the replies.

It got my thinking again that maybe thats part of the problem with the sins of priesthood over the years. Like maybe they had too much responsibility put on them. I know they choose that life but its kind of like being put on a pedestle and maybe thats not a good thing.

A
xxx

 

[Z_Ninja]

As far as giving absolution, I’ve always thought the priest wasn’t the one actually granting the absolution rather it was in the person of Christ.

But, yes, priests can be extremely holy people. they are also human and can sin and be sinful.

 

[De_Maria]

Hi James thanks for posting.

In response to your question I don’t know who should be worthy and who shouldn’t to do those things. Maybe no human should.

Thanks everyone for the replies.

It got my thinking again that maybe thats part of the problem with the sins of priesthood over the years. Like maybe they had too much responsibility put on them. I know they choose that life but its kind of like being put on a pedestle and maybe thats not a good thing.

A
xxx

The Scripture says:

James 3:1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

St. James here meant, in the sense of “teacher”. Our priests are our teachers in the faith. And they will be held to greater responsibility if they offend God or give bad example:

Luke 12:46-48
King James Version (KJV)
46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.

47 And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.

48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

Does that answer your question?

Sincerely,

De Maria

 

[TimothyH]

While we are acountable for our own souls and those of our children, our priests and pastors will be held accountable for all the souls placed under their care.

The pastor at our parish reminds us that he will be held accountable for the souls of 3000 families under his care, and says that he could never do it without an hour of adoration every day. I see him there some morning, praying the rosary in the time between the 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM Mass.

Lets remember that with 410,000 priests in the world, the vast majority are holy men who live out their promises in the face of tremendous temptation. Let’s remember how much they have given up, knowing that their reward in this life for doing so will be disrespect, ungratefulness and selfishness.

-Tim-

 

[Albany]

The Scripture says:

James 3:1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

St. James here meant, in the sense of “teacher”. Our priests are our teachers in the faith. And they will be held to greater responsibility if they offend God or give bad example:

Luke 12:46-48
King James Version (KJV)
46 The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.

47 And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.

48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

Does that answer your question?

Sincerely,

De Maria

Thanks for posting. Its sounds like if your a priest and sinning them your in a lot of trouble with the lord. If they know this how can some priests sin so badly.

Axxx

 

[Albany]

While we are acountable for our own souls and those of our children, our priests and pastors will be held accountable for all the souls placed under their care.

The pastor at our parish reminds us that he will be held accountable for the souls of 3000 families under his care, and says that he could never do it without an hour of adoration every day. I see him there some morning, praying the rosary in the time between the 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM Mass.

Lets remember that with 410,000 priests in the world, the vast majority are holy men who live out their promises in the face of tremendous temptation. Let’s remember how much they have given up, knowing that their reward in this life for doing so will be disrespect, ungratefulness and selfishness.

-Tim-

Hi Tim thanks for posting.
Thats a good point. I really respect priests I just like to think and wonder about things. I think they have too much pressure on them and too much to live up to.

A
xx

 

[De_Maria]

Thanks for posting. Its sounds like if your a priest and sinning them your in a lot of trouble with the lord. If they know this how can some priests sin so badly.

Axxx

Same way that all the baptized can.

 

[LilyM]

Thanks for posting. Its sounds like if your a priest and sinning them your in a lot of trouble with the lord. If they know this how can some priests sin so badly.

Why does anyone sin badly (and many people do)? After all, Hell is the consequence for all mortal sin, and is pretty horrific whatever way you slice it.

We’re human and sinful and forgetful. Jesus knew all about the many faults and failings of His Apostles when He first gave them priestly powers. It is HIS power that makes everything possible, not their holiness.

 

[Oneofthewomen]

While we are acountable for our own souls and those of our children, our priests and pastors will be held accountable for all the souls placed under their care.

The pastor at our parish reminds us that he will be held accountable for the souls of 3000 families under his care, and says that he could never do it without an hour of adoration every day. I see him there some morning, praying the rosary in the time between the 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM Mass.

Lets remember that with 410,000 priests in the world, the vast majority are holy men who live out their promises in the face of tremendous temptation. Let’s remember how much they have given up, knowing that their reward in this life for doing so will be disrespect, ungratefulness and selfishness.

-Tim-

Tim,
this statement moved me to tears, and caused me to to stop and say a prayer for all priests.
Thank you for the reminder of the obstacles these men face everyday.