When Shepherds Forget Themselves: A Word to My Brother Clergy

Beloved brothers in the priesthood,


I speak not as one above you, but as one among you—bearing the same yoke, trembling under the same responsibility, and entrusted with the same fearful stewardship of souls. What I write now is not merely an observation, but a plea born of sorrow and concern for the flock of Christ.


We have been appointed as shepherds. Not hirelings, not performers, not men seeking recognition—but shepherds. And a shepherd does not devour his fellow shepherd in the sight of the sheep.


What do the faithful see when we stand before them in rivalry? When we speak against one another, subtly or openly? When jealousy festers in our hearts, when envy clouds our judgment, when smallness overtakes the high calling we have received? They see not Christ—but division. Not love—but scandal. Not the Kingdom—but the world.


And if the shepherds are divided, what becomes of the flock?


The people of God are not blind. They observe us more closely than we realize. They listen not only to our sermons, but to our tone. They measure not only our words, but our spirit. When they see pettiness among clergy, when they witness competition instead of cooperation, when they detect bitterness where there should be brotherly love—they are confused, disheartened, and sometimes even driven away.


We must ask ourselves: what are we teaching them?


If we preach humility but display pride, if we speak of love yet harbor resentment, if we call for unity while sowing discord—then our words become empty, and our ministry risks becoming a stumbling block rather than a path to salvation.


Let us remember: the priesthood is not a stage for personal validation. It is a cross.


It is the quiet endurance of misunderstanding.
It is the voluntary crucifixion of ego.
It is the hidden labor of love that seeks no recognition.


If there is honor, it belongs to Christ.
If there is fruit, it is by His grace.
If there is any good in us, it is not ours to boast of.


Brother priests, let us be vigilant. Jealousy is subtle. Envy disguises itself as righteousness. Pride often speaks in the language of zeal. We must examine ourselves constantly, not in comparison to one another, but in the light of Christ.


When disagreements arise—and they will—we must handle them with sobriety, discretion, and mutual respect. Not everything needs to be displayed. Not every thought needs to be spoken. Not every irritation deserves expression. Silence, patience, and prayer often accomplish far more than argument.


Let us strive to outdo one another—not in status, not in recognition—but in humility, in service, in love.


Let the faithful see in us a living example of brotherhood. Let them witness unity even amidst differences. Let them find in us not perfection, but repentance. Not rivalry, but reconciliation.


For if we fail here, at the level of our own conduct, then no eloquence of preaching will repair the damage.


May Christ, the Chief Shepherd, have mercy on us.
May He correct us where we err.
May He grant us the grace to become true fathers to His people—and true brothers to one another.