Acta Apostolicae Sedis - Commentarium Officiale372

needs to hear. Let us never cease to marvel at the extraordinary grace that

has been given to us, let us never cease to acknowledge our unworthiness, but

at the same time let us always strive to become less unworthy of our noble

calling, lest through our faults and failings we weaken the credibility of our

witness.

In this Year for Priests, let me address a special word to the priests

present today, and to those who are preparing for ordination. Reflect on

the words spoken to a newly ordained priest as the Bishop presents him with

the chalice and paten: "Understand what you do, imitate what you celebrate,

and conform your life to the mystery of the Lord's Cross". As we proclaim the

Cross of Christ, let us always strive to imitate the selfless love of the one who

offered himself for us on the altar of the Cross, the one who is both priest and

victim, the one in whose person we speak and act when we exercise the

ministry that we have received. As we reflect on our shortcomings, individu-

ally and collectively, let us humbly acknowledge that we have merited the

punishment that he, the innocent Lamb, suffered on our behalf. And if, in

accordance with what we have deserved, we should have some share in

Christ's sufferings, let us rejoice because we will enjoy a much greater

gladness when his glory is revealed.

In my thoughts and prayers I am especially mindful of the many priests

and religious in the Middle East who are currently experiencing a particular

call to conform their lives to the mystery of the Lord's Cross. Through the

difficulties facing their communities as a result of the conflicts and tensions of

the region, many families are taking the decision to move away, and it can be

tempting for their pastors to do likewise. In situations of this kind, though, a

priest, a religious community, a parish that remains steadfast and continues

to bear witness to Christ is an extraordinary sign of hope, not only for the

Christians but for all who live in the region. Their presence alone is an

eloquent expression of the Gospel of peace, the determination of the Good

Shepherd to care for all the sheep, the Church's unyielding commitment to

dialogue, reconciliation and loving acceptance of the other. By embracing the

Cross that is held out to them, the priests and religious of the Middle East can

truly radiate the hope that lies at the heart of the mystery we are celebrating

in our liturgy today.

Let us all take heart from the words of our second reading today, which

speak so beautifully of the triumph that was in store for Christ after his death

on the Cross, a triumph in which we are invited to share. "For God raised him