Recently, I was given a large cake with a beautiful word iced on the top: “Thank you.”
Priests are as insecure as anyone else. We’re never certain if we’ve done things well—or if we’ve been as insensitive as a bull in a china shop. The best gift I’ve been given is a simple “thank you.” For me, this word and sentiment far outweigh a bottle of wine or a box of chocolates.

What we say is so important.
When Mary hosted Jesus and sat at His feet listening, I wonder what He was saying.
What word was He scratching into the dust when a woman was brought before Him, caught in the very act of adultery and about to be stoned?
The disciple in me imagines He spoke—or etched into the earth—words of the Father’s love, understanding and encouragement for each of these women.

Priests can be artists in kindness.
I have lived with men who breathe out words of faith, guidance, and consolation.
They have been examples to me of Christ interacting with the most vulnerable.
But, as with all professions and vocations, there are some who can be acid-tongued—particularly with each other.
Occasionally, I’ve found myself on the receiving end of a whiplash comment or unjustified criticism of my ministry.

What would the Lord say to these priests?
I like the fact that Jesus told the disciples, “Love one another.”
The Lord might have been telling His apostles to love everyone—the Pharisees, the Romans, the Gentiles—but I like to think He was challenging the twelve men following Him to love and get on with each other, because they were just as dysfunctional as me and my acid-tongued priest colleagues.
That same command to His twelve apostles to love each other is as relevant to them as it is to me and my brother priests.

What would the Lord say to the bishops?
I think He’d remind them to be good shepherds to their clergy:
To visit them regularly and see how they’re doing.
To ensure they have clean, functional accommodation, guaranteed holidays, and solid psychological support.
To love them—and to encourage them to love and support each other.

What might the Lord say to me? Pray for, forgive and love your acid tongued fellow priests.