Sunday of Deceased Priests

Today the Maronite Church begins a series of three Sundays dedicated to prayer for the dead. This first Sunday is set aside as a commemoration of all the deceased priests of the Church.

Christ has established the priesthood for his Church and entrusted it with great responsibilities. The priest is given the task of caring for the spiritual needs of the people of his parish. The bishop, however, is responsible for not only all the people of the diocese, but also for his priests and other ministers.

The more the Lord gives to the Church, the more he asks from it. The gift of the priesthood calls the people of God, the Church, to pray for those who were entrusted with the divine mysteries and carried on the salvific work of Christ. The bishop and priest are called to be the salt of the earth and the light and presence of Christ among us. All these responsibilities have been given to men who possess human weakness and frailty.

The gospel for the Eucharist today speaks of the "faithful servant" which is, of course, the role of the priest and bishop. They are to be like the wise virgins always ready to serve the Lord, and like the faithful servant, eager to multiply the talents God has given them.

Because the priest and bishop have been given so much responsibility over the Church of God, they must know, not only God's will, but must also constantly strive to be examples of fidelity and prudent action. The Church's ministers always must seek to be strong in virtue, persevering in willingness and humble and constant action. If not, they may delay the Master's coming.

Because of the dangers and temptations that assail the bishop and priest, we must pray for them. This is our Christian duty and it arises out of our gratitude for the service they have rendered God in his Church. We pray that all God's priests and bishops enter into the house of the Lord and reap the rewards of the faithful servant.

May the Lord entrust them with even greater things!