“Dayon, magpari pa ka?”, I jokingly whispered this question to my 2 seatmates after listening to the very moving and inspiring, excellent and exemplary life of a parish priest, Fr. Raul Dael. They both understood my question. One just showed a smile and could not speak still due to awe and wonder, while the other replied, “Magpari na hinuon kaayo!” The question might have sounded a joke to them, but in reality, it came from the deepest core of my burning heart…it was also a question to and for myself. It just sparked from within me unconsciously. A part of me was “envious”: “Eh, he has all what it takes to be a priest! No one can match his giftedness! And how can I be like him when I don’t even have this or that…” But beyond that, there was a greater part in me that shouted, “Yes, with God’s initiative and providence, I will, for Him and for the Church!” Padre’s words inspired and enlivened even more the zeal in my heart. The two parts above recognized a common theme: SELF, either staying and hiding within self OR going beyond. This is what I am going to express now; a theme and grace that touched the essence of priesthood within me from both Frs. Pedro and Raul.
If a priest is not for himself, then he would rather advise a donor to give for the parish convent than for himself on his birthday.
If a priest is not for himself, then he would not bring anything that belongs to the parish.
If a priest is not for himself, then he would not be strict and indignant imprudently.
If a priest is not for himself, then he would not find a TV necessary and would unexpectedly receive one after 30 years.
If a priest is not for himself, then he would always seriously think for the good of the Church and thus be honest to himself as regards issues.
If a priest is not for himself, then he would not ask, “Is my bed ok?” but rather, “Who are my people?”
If a priest is not for himself, then creative and effective fund-raising projects would just come out according to the “real-ground” needs of the people.
If a priest is not for himself, then he would realize he’s not superman, and thus would rather empower lay collaborators and not get insecure by their skills.
If a priest is not for himself, then he would embrace a fire-stricken neighborhood and make them feel that God is indeed present and one with them in their grief.
If a priest is not for himself, then he can be trusted with the money of the people, and thus be transparent.
If a priest is not for himself, then he would celebrate Mass unhurriedly and full of heart.
If a priest is not for himself, then he would prepare a good homily even for the remotest chapel.
If a priest is not for himself, then he would not hasten to leave immediately after Mass and hide in his room, but rather spend quality time with the parishioners whether in the poblacion and far-away chapels.
If a priest is not for himself, then he would not think of pride and competition and thus befriend the pastors of other denominations in the parish.
If a priest is not for himself, then he would commit for healthy inclusive relationships.
If a priest is not for himself, then he doesn’t get tired because he enjoys and gives ALL love to the very thing he is doing.
If a priest is not for himself, then he would risk in citing morality on politics and express to them, “I did this because I am concerned of your salvation”.
If a priest is not for himself, then he is willing to let go of a parish that has marked an indelible memory in his heart and be transferred to another one without leaving a “statue of him” behind.
If a priest is not for himself, then he can openly and authentically cry.
If a priest is not for himself, then he allows his parishioners to express their gratitude through a despedida than leaving at midnight without anybody knowing it because he doesn’t want to feel more pain.
If a priest is not for himself, then he would not put down and destroy his bishop and fellow priests.
If a priest is not for himself, then he would happily hold on to the grace of the “Theology of Presence” even if it would mean boredom.
If a priest is not for himself, then he would allow his body to rest and find time for silence and prayer.
If a priest is not for himself, then he would be very trustful that God will provide the best for him in the midst of crisis from within and trials from outside.
Then, they will be encouraged to follow the Lord because they experienced the love of God through him. The deep inspiring words of the 2 Padres cost a tear from my eye. How could I not be so moved when that GRACE is what I interiorly pray and strive to cooperate with.
