Stop criticising

As they were going away, behold, a demon-oppressed man who was mute was brought to Jesus. And when the demon had been cast out, the mute man spoke. And the crowds marvelled, saying, “Never was anything like this seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons by the prince of demons.” And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.” (Matthew 9: 32-38)

Jesus was surrounded by many people, and some of them followed him only out of curiosity or for their own convenience. Jesus does not despise anyone because faith can sprout even from these circumstances. But someone is needed to lead these weaker sheep to the good pastures of sound doctrine. These shepherds are gifts from God. Jesus commands us to pray that new pastors will always be found, because there is a great disproportion between the size of the flock and the number of those who can guide us properly to the happiness of eternal life. So let's stop constantly criticising priests and pray more for them. Did you pray last week for holy priests? If not, at least remember them in your prayers today.