I do not think I am exaggerating by saying that I read more stores about pastors and priests than just about anybody else I know. I read of new hires, deaths and promotions along with good works and utter depravity. It's 10 stories a day, every day, over the last ten years. When I miss a day, I catchup by reading what I missed. A few years ago I read a story about a Catholic priest who had translated a Japanese woman's story of surviving Hiroshima. He also translated her poetry. I copied one of her translated haikus into a little poetry notebook I keep near my desk.
The atomic museum
the cries in the heart’s ears
the scent of the lily
- Hiroko Takanashi
I was reminded of her poem when I read a story on Facebook about a priest murdered in his rectory. Rev. Eric Freed’s body was found when he missed morning mass.
Mayor Frank Jager identified the victim as the Rev. Eric Freed, whom he called a personal friend and a "tremendous person in this community" since his arrival three years ago. The St. Bernard Parish website featured a cross and the words, "Rest in Peace," above Freed's name.
"He was a really, genuinely warm individual," said professor Stephen Cunha, the chairman of Humboldt University's religious studies department where Freed taught for more than 10 years. "... Kind is the word that comes to mind, sensitive."
I did not take long for a memory to surface. I quickly looked up the name in my index and found the reference to his work. I was stunned.
I do not subscribe to moral equivalence. It is simple. Some priest abuse children while some do not. We cannot paint all priest with the action of one (or some). Some priest bring ugliness into this world while some bring beauty and kindness. Father Jager’s translation of Hiroko Takanashi’s lifework was beautiful and I was made better by finding it. His death is horrifying.
I do not know why somebody would murder him and I will not speculate on the motive for his murder, though some have, until I hear the facts. It is the least I can do.
Update 1/3/2014
- Warrant issued for Gary Lee Bullock. Freed killed via blunt force trauma.
- Gary Lee Bullock arrested in California priest killing. No motive established.
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steve · 553 weeks ago
Are there Christian priests mentioned in the Bible? The only high priest mentioned is Jesus Christ. The priesthood of all believers is mentioned, however, there is not an office of Christian priest for selected individuals.
JESUS IS THE HIGH PRIEST!
Hebrews 3:1 Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession;
JESUS IS THE HIGH PRIEST!
Hebrews 2:17 Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.
The so-called Christians priests of today cannot grant forgiveness from sins nor can they make atonement for the sins of the people. Only Jesus is a high priest.
Hebrews 7:11-12 Now if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the people received the Law), what further need was there for another priest to arise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be designated according to the order of Aron? 12 For when the priesthood is changed, of necessity there takes place a change of law also.
The Levitical priesthood ended when Jesus died on the cross. There is and never has been a Christian priesthood of individual priests, overseeing, or acting as priests of congregations. THE INDIVIDUAL CHRISTIAN PRIEST IS A MAN-MADE PRIESTHOOD.
Hebrews 8:3-4 For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices; so it is necessary that this high priest also have something to offer. 4 Now if He were on earth, He would not be a priest at all, since there are those who offer the gifts according to the Law;
Christians nor anyone else are under the Law. If Jesus were here on earth He would not be a priest. Why would any Christian, here on earth, consider himself to be a priest able to offer gifts or sacrifices.
THERE IS ONLY ONE PRIEST STANDING BETWEEN MAN AND GOD. THAT PRIEST IS JESUS CHRIST.
1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Jesus Christ,
A HOLY PRIESTHOOD, A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD INCLUDES ALL CHRISTIANS.
1 Peter 2:4-9 ....5 you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ...... 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God' own possession....
Peter was talking to Christians who were throughout the world. (Peter 1:1). Peter was not addressing certain individuals who were selected to the office of priest.
THE OFFICE OF CHRISTIAN PRIEST IS NOT MENTION IN THE BIBLE. Christian priests are only mentioned in church catechisms and other extra-Biblical books. Man-made writings are not Scripture.
Ephesians 4:11-12 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for equipping of the saints for the work of service, to building up the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith...
You will notice priests were not mentioned as equipping the saints. Why? Because Jesus is the priest. There is no office of "CHRISTIAN PRIEST."
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