Oftentimes, priests have an online profile. There is perhaps a picture on a parish webpage and curriculum vitae of sorts. It gives insight into just who Father is; his background; his studies. The information often includes the year that he was ordained, seminary attended, and degrees held. It may include family background, former career information, and any universities attended. His profile will usually list his various titles, roles, and assignments had in his diocese or beyond along with any special notes of interest such as language abilities, awards won, or maybe an unusual fact, such as his being a former MLB player (like Fr. Ed Cipot of the Archdiocese of New York and a classmate from my Spirituality Year in the seminary). Such profiles are fine and quickly inform those who might be interested. In parish settings, I have been asked about such profiles over the years. I have always been hesitant. In a sense, for me, the fact of being a priest is really all that one needs to know – at least, at first. I sometimes wonder what it would be like if Jesus had such an online profile, curriculum vitae, or some business card of sort. Jesus of Nazareth, also known as Jesus the Christ. Born in Bethlehem; the only Child of Mary and Joseph. Popularly known as a rabbi and teacher though having had no formal schooling. His native language is Aramaic, but speaks Hebrew and a bit of Latin as well. Never really into sports, but quite the itinerant preacher. Had a large following rather early in life and His exploits appeared to tragically end with an unjust crucifixion. His greatest claim to fame is His own Resurrection from the dead, which inspired even more followers. Jesus looks forward now to serving our parish and meeting each one of you! Could the very Son of God really be explained in a one page profile or a little business card with contact information? Jesus revealed Himself in what He said and what He did. I feel inclined to do the same. I believe that ultimately, all of us are called to do the same. Jesus had the Evangelists - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John to record for us His words and actions. I don’t have such writers, but I can write – and so I do. I owe a debt of gratitude to my elementary school teachers, among whom were the Sisters of Saint Joseph, who helped in this regard. I hope that in my words written all will discover a priest revealed, but more importantly, I hope that they will discover a Christ known as Jesus – the only Child of Mary and Joseph, who had no online profile or curriculum vitae of His own, but made Himself known over time and most especially, in the Breaking of Bread. I hope that in the end, I can be revealed there too and there I hope to discover you as well!
Peace!
Fr. Wilson