we always fall short - Friday 1st week Lent

Jesus said, “unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.”  Jesus is setting a standard that is tremendously hard to meet.  The scribes are the best in keeping the law.  The Pharisees are the best in terms of knowing, memorizing the intricacies of the law.   So what Jesus is saying about surpassing the scribes and the Pharisees mean that we should be better than the best at keeping the law.  To be better than the best.  In a sense yes we have to struggle.  In a sense yes, we have to strive to be better than the best.  But we will always fall short, we will be found wanting and lacking, and in the end we will have to rely on the mercy and love of God.

Not one of us can claim that we deserve the priesthood.  Not one of us can claim that we deserve to be ordained because of our achievements and our accomplishments.  In the end we become a priest because of the mercy of God and we will continue and persevere in the priesthood because of the mercy of God, and not because of any entitlement or prerogative or claim to it.

Those who say I deserve the priesthood should not become a priest.  Those who say I have what it takes to become a priest should not become a priest.  Those who say that I am worthy to become a priest should not become a priest.   They should not apply because that attitude and feeling is dangerous.

If you have doubts about your capacity for the priesthood, that is healthy.  But it is important to recognize these doubts and where they are coming from.  If you have doubts about your worthiness, that is healthy.  But it is important to name the unworthiness, to own the unworthiness and to address them.

When you pass your application letter be always aware that not one of us deserve to become a priest.  Rather note well that the priesthood is a gift from God, a gift we do not deserve, nevertheless a gift given to us and to those God chooses because God, the giver, is merciful.