The hardest part of being a priest

None of us likes to get rejected in any way. We think primarily about this happening in relationships, and how it is such a personal shot to who we are. Depending on the situation, rejection can be a wound that takes a long time to heal. And many people can make it worse by going to the wrong places for healing. Adding to the hurt adds layers of wounds; the healing process can become overwhelming. I’ve worked with many people over the years who have experienced this very thing…and are still in it, unfortunately.

I preached on rejection yesterday and that it’s probably the hardest part of being a priest. Jesus promised this to the first priests (see Jn 15:18). It comes often and in many forms. It’s not rejecting us personally as much as it’s rejecting Christ. It happened to me recently when I met with a non-practicing Catholic who was trying to make a comeback. I offered her the two ways to come back to the Church: Confession and the Eucharist. It's my standard approach to any conversation like this and is typically received well. She rejected it immediately.

The wound I feel anytime someone rejects what I’m offering as a priest is mainly for Christ and them. The shame of it often is the situation I described above. People who reject the Church usually have been rejected or hurt by someone in the Church. It’s not common for someone to objectively study authentic Catholic doctrine and hate it. It is so beautiful and true. I do my best to present it with love. If it is rejected, then I’ll think that the person is not seeing it objectively. Who would reject Christ or His Bride objectively?