June 14, 2012 – Catechism 1581 – 1589

I think the image that St. Augustine gives regarding the power coming through the priest even though he is sinful is a nice image to understand.  God’s grace comes through the priest when performing the priestly duties, when he becomes Christ in a miraculous way, when he is performing the Sacraments.  The sins or even the beliefs and doubts of the priest do not stop the miracle or the grace.  God’s grace is like light coming through a window.  It may be a dirty window, but the light that comes through is still light.  It is not defiled.  But it is also a very grave matter for the priest that is not acting in a worthy manner.  Although the Grace is not diluted or changed, that priest has a responsibility and duty and a flock to manage and the scandal laid out by the priest can lead to many lost souls.  A priest has a great responsibility not only to provide the followers with the Sacraments but to lead them to Heaven. 

It is also a mark that will never leave a man.  The Church can take away responsibilities of a priest and limit what they can do, but they will never be able to take away their ordained mark of the priesthood.  Like Baptism and Confirmation, it will be with them eternally.