A friend of mine shared something he read that gave insight into the difficulties of being a priest. As I read it, I thought about how true these statements are. I was remembering when I worked in a parish and how so many times people expected the pastor to be a certain way or act a certain way. I also thanked God for those who appreciate priests for who they are and especially for those who pray for them.

The Catholic Priesthood: The Silent Abuse of Priests the World Refuses to Talk About.

In today’s world, being a priest has become a dangerous vocation, not because of persecution, but because of public opinion. Society has created an impossible checklist, a rigged game where the priest loses before he even begins.

If he walks with women, he’s automatically a womanizer.

If he walks with men, he’s suddenly gay;

If he is seen with children, he’s a suspected pedophile.

If he sits beside an elderly woman, she’s his sugar mummy.

If he helps an elderly man, that’s his sugar daddy.

If he keeps a distance, he is proud.

If he mingles too much, he’s desperate for attention.

If he spends time with the elderly, he is outdated.

If he spends time with the youth, he is trying too hard.

If his homily is long, he is boring.

If it is short, he is unprepared.

If he speaks loudly, he is shouting.

If softly, he is weak.

If he drives a car, he’s worldly.

If he doesn’t, he’s unserious about pastoral work.

If he visits families, he’s intruding.

If he doesn’t, he’s uncaring.

If he asks for donations, he’s money  oriented and greedy.

If he avoids mentioning money, he’s proud or secretive.

If he is young, he is inexperienced.

If he is old, he should retire.

In the court of public judgment, priests are always guilty. Yet, the same people who tear priests down expect them to be spiritual giants, available 24/7, emotionally perfect, morally spotless, financially humble, liturgically flawless, socially active, academically brilliant, and physically tireless.

No human being can meet these standards. Not one. But somehow, we expect priests to.

Many people don’t want holy priests, they want perfect machines. Yet they also want those machines to behave like servants who must never complain. This is why priests silently bleed. Behind every Mass is a man who is exhausted. Behind every smile is someone who is judged unfairly.

Behind every mistake is someone who is crucified without mercy.

It takes a truly courageous man to say yes to God in a world drowning in pleasure, lust, and self-worship. It takes a self-denying man to choose sacrifice over comfort. It takes a spiritually brave man to stand at the altar every day, knowing he will be judged by the same people he prays for.

If you truly love your priest, don’t wait for scandals, sickness, crises, or burnout to pray for him.

Support him now.

Pray for him now.

Stand with him now.

Because while the world sees a collar…

God sees a man carrying a cross that is heavier than anyone imagines.

This December, as you travel back to your families and prepare to celebrate the joy of Christmas, do something different. Do something intentional.

Buy a Christmas gift for the priest in your parish. It doesn’t have to be expensive. It doesn’t have to be big. Even a small item, something thoughtful, something simple, is enough.

After Mass, don’t rush home. Walk into the sacristy, look at your priest, and say:

“Padre, Happy Christmas. Thank you for serving us.”

You have no idea how far that small act of kindness can go, how it can strengthen a tired priest, uplift a discouraged one, or remind a lonely one that he is loved, appreciated, and remembered.

A simple gift.

A simple greeting.

A simple gesture of love.

Let’s make this Christmas a healing one for our priests.

I Found God today reminded of the importance of praying for and appreciating our priests.