I AM NOT THAT FAMOUS PRIEST

I AM NOT THat FAMOUS PRIEST….

I sat down in silence
And thought about my priestly life.
Images started rolling and a movie was presented to me.
I saw myself,
The actor in the most rural places of my mission,
The bringer of God’s message,
The minister and pastor.
Yet, I am not that famous priest.

I bless the dead,
Anoint the sick
And visit the needy.
I celebrate the Eucharist
and everyone is looking at me,
Amazed of this white priest in the midst of black human beings.
Yet I am not that famous priest.

People came for reconciliation,
For advice and celebration.
People prepare exotic food
And rejoice at my presence.
Yet, I am not that famous priest.

I sleep in villages,
On the ground like them.
I eat with them around the fire,
Chat and dance with them.
They cheer:
‘With Fr. Raul there is nothing for us to fear.’
Yet, I am not that famous priest.

I am just one among them,
But among us is the famous priest.
I am nothing compared to Him.
He is the reason of our celebration,
Of our rejoicing.
He is the famous priest.

He celebrates,
Bless the dead, anoint the sick,
Reconciles broken relationships.
He is the reason why I am here.
The material preparation from people for me
Are just manifestations of the goodness of the famous priest.

The famous priest is using His servant-
To dine with the poor,
To rejoice with the needy,
To celebrate with His people,
To reach the broken hearted,
To chat, to console the lonely
And to bring His people back to Him.

I am nothing in His hands
Than a little slave,
And I am happy to live
As a slave to His love.
Jesus is His name.
He is the famous priest.
Fr. Raul Tabaranza