The Old Church: Prayerful Priest

JM Kraemer
Jul 15
2 min read

The fellow arrives to The Old Church earlier than usual. While it is a typical Sunday. Events and other activities will take place later on and he wants to get a few things ready before Mass begins. He thinks that he is the only one inside the church. Yet he is not alone. For sitting off in one of the pews is the figure dressed in black. His head bowed down slightly deep in prayer.

It doesn’t take long for the fellow to realize that it is The Priest that is sitting in prayer. He spends times before the Lord as he is getting ready for Mass. Keeping in prayer all that is going on around him. Preparing himself: heart, mind, and soul.

The fellow decides not to disturb him. Knowing the challenges Priests face these days. Worries, fears, and burdens that few can fully understand or even realize. The fellow has learned over the years that the life of a priest is by no means an easy road. With the challenges that ministry bring that can be hard for a lay person to fully understand. Almost like being pulled in more than one direction simultaneously.

It also doesn’t help that the needs of the parishes far exceeds the number of priests on hand. Yet through it all. Father is taking time before the Lord and praying. It is always humbling to see people like him lost in prayer. A lesson The fellow has seen a few times since being at The Old Church. It reminds him of the Old Woman who would spend her days here in prayer. A reminder of what should be important in our lives. To take that time to seek out God’s endless wisdom. To pray for the things going on around us. More so as we navigate the days going forward.

After what seems like an endless amount of time. The priest gets up. Offers a warm greeting to The fellow and moves on to get ready for The Mass. The fellow himself also finishes up his tasks. As he gets ready for Mass. Here at The Old Church. -