In the “Year for Priests”, one should pause to view unfolding current events through the prism of the Church and particularly the priesthood. Recent news stories have given dramatic examples of priests who often give courageous witness to the faith despite great hardship, risk, and scorn. Priests are by their very identity and mission perpetually in the position of speaking for the oppressed and the marginalized of society, thus putting themselves at odds with powerful entrenched interests.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Christ affirms that those who follow him and spread the truth of Christianity will be persecuted. Not only was this true in ancient history, but even in modern, progressive times.
