Vessels of Clay, Carriers of Grace

by Fr. Tony Okolo C.S.Sp., V.F.  |  09/21/2025  |  Weekly Reflection

Beloved Parishioners,

Each year, in the month of June our diocese marks a joyful rhythm as it is — the season of priestly and religious ordinations. In this month in the diocese new priests are consecrated, deacons ordained. In my own country the month of July and August across the length and breadth of the country is marked by many priestly ordinations and religious professions as well.

The Diocese of Phoenix has over fifty seminarians in training for the priesthood of which we are lucky to have two of our own seminarians in formation training to be priests. The number of ordinations each year and the number of seminarians in formation in our diocese is enough to stir deep reflection. Why does the Lord continue to call? Why does He entrust His treasures to human hands? The answer lies in the mystery beautifully described by St. Paul: “We have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us” (2 Cor. 4:7). Priests and consecrated men and women are indeed vessels of clay — fragile, human, and weak — yet carriers of the priceless grace of God.

Priests stand at the altar to offer the Eucharist, reconcile sinners to God in the confessional, anoint the sick, and shepherd souls. Religious men and women — through vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience — live as a visible sign of the Kingdom that is to come. The Church reminds us in Perfectae Caritatis (n. 1) that the consecrated life belongs “undeniably to her life and holiness” and that religious are to “devote themselves wholly to God” for the building up of the Body of Christ. The priest is configured to Christ the Head; the religious, to Christ the obedient Servant. Together, they witness to a world so often tempted to forget the eternal.

If this is so, then their presence among us must never be taken for granted. A newly ordained priest or a newly professed sister or a deacon is not simply “another addition” to the clergy or convent; they are a fresh outpouring of God’s love upon His people. We must therefore sustain them — not only with material support when needed, but more importantly with daily prayer. The pastoral need for prayer for our priests and religious is urgent, for they carry the weight of many souls and battle spiritual challenges we often do not see. It is not enough to rejoice on ordination day and then forget. Our support must be steady, like Aaron and Hur holding up the hands of Moses so that God’s people might prevail (Ex. 17:12).

Cherishing our consecrated members requires concrete action. First, pray for them daily — by name when possible — that they may remain faithful and joyful in their vocation. Second, encourage them with kind words, especially in moments when they seem weary. Some priests face some challenges, and some get burnt out in their priestly ministry. Third, protect them from gossip, harsh criticism, and unrealistic demands, remembering they too are “clay vessels.” Fourth, collaborate with them in parish or apostolic activities so that their mission bears fruit. Fifth, mark their ordination or profession anniversaries as a community to renew our gratitude to God.

The Church is blessed with many new “vessels of clay” sent into the harvest. Let us receive them with joy, walk with them in their journey, and hold them up before the Lord in prayer. For in their fragile humanity, they carry the treasures of grace — and through them, Christ Himself continues to feed, heal, and save His people. May we take a little more time and remember them in our prayers each day.