Four years ago today, I was ordained a priest. I can’t believe it’s four years already. Amazing.

Today is also the feast of St Cornelius (Pope) and St Cyprian (Bishop). I offered the Mass for a priest on the occasion of his anniversary of ordination, but the readings were taken from today’s memorial.

The first reading, from St Paul, is very appropriate for a priest contemplating his vocation:

We are only the earthenware jars that hold this treasure, to make it clear that such an overwhelming power comes from God and not from us. We are in difficulties on all sides, but never cornered; we see no answer to our problems, but never despair; we have been persecuted, but never deserted; knocked down, but never killed; always, wherever we may be, we carry with us in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus, too, may always be seen in our body.

Honestly, this is exactly what I needed to read and meditate on in my prayer today, hot on the heels of some beautiful readings from yesterday’s feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. Deo gratias.

Bishop Peter Connors lays hands

Bishop Peter Connors laying hands

Fr Eric Bryant vests me in the priest's stole and chasuble

Fr Eric Bryant vests me in the priest’s stole and chasuble

I concelebrate (it was the old translation, which I never learned, so I was completely tongue tied!)

I concelebrate (it was the old translation, which I never learned, so I was tongue tied!)

Me and my "little" brothers — I think they're all taller than me now!

Me and my “little” brothers — I think they’re all taller than me now!