I am often asked by parishioners or other interested individuals what are the best and worst things about being a priest. I am at a loss to describe what the best parts may be, as I love saying Mass, hearing confessions, and many other aspects of the ministry. But I don’t hesitate at all when people ask what the worst things are, as I have them narrowed down to two. My second least favorite thing that I occasionally have to do as a priest is wedding rehearsals, as it’s often an exercise in herding cats. But that pales in comparison to my absolute least favorite, which is any time I have to visit Children’s Hospital.
 
In this weekend’s Gospel we hear the compelling and heartrending story of the synagogue official and his sick daughter. This man is so desperate to do what is necessary to take care of his child that he is willing to fight through the crowd and take a huge risk by meeting this man, Jesus, about whom people are saying many strange things. Since he is a high-ranking synagogue official, he is putting his career in jeopardy by associating with a man that many people think is crazy, a rabble rouser, or possibly a dangerous revolutionary. But all of that means absolutely nothing to him because the safety and well-being of his daughter is all that matters.
 
Similarly, those moments when priests are called into hospitals to minister to children and their families are when we really see what is important to families. The squabbles, fights, work concerns, and all of the obstacles within their relationships fade away, and families unite in prayer, asking God for the strength to endure the long road ahead. They are moments of great sorrow, but also of great beauty. If we are open to it, they are opportunities to grow exponentially in our trust in God.
 
It shouldn’t take tragedy like today’s Gospel or those scary moments in our lives to get us to step back and evaluate where our priorities lie. Every week at Mass we take a moment to call to mind our sins and examine how we could do better in the relationships in our lives: relationships with ourselves, with each other, and with God. Each one of these relationships was wounded at the fall of man, but God grants us the grace to work on them and heal those wounds. As we enjoy these summer months and the time we spend together, perhaps we would do well to pray about how we are dedicated to growing as Christian families. How could we grow together in prayer? What can we do to deepen a spirit of gratitude for the blessings we have received? How can we share those blessings, the blessings of prosperity and our Faith with others who are less fortunate?
 
May our parishes always be places where we encounter Jesus Christ as families, and then bring
our love for Jesus out into the world.
 
Prayers always,
Fr. McCullough