“Ministries and charisms, being diverse and complementary, are all necessary for the Church to grow, each in its own way (Ch L 27).” “All of us, Pastors and lay faithful, have the duty to promote and nourish stronger bonds and mutual esteem, cordiality and collaboration among the various forms of lay associations (Ch L 31).”
In order for this desirable collaboration to become and to remain a reality, priests and laity must be focused on Christ and not on themselves. They are called to promote the kingdom of Christ, not their own interests or that of their group. They should not feel that they are involved in a power struggle.
St Paul’s one and only desire was that Christ be preached (cf Phil 1:15-19). Saint Paul discouraged the people of Corinth from speaking about Paul’s party, that of Cephas or that of Christ (cf 1Cor 1:10-16). Through prayer, constant humility and readiness to do the will of God, the Lord Jesus will show priests the best way to relate with the laity.
Card. Francis Arinze
Riflessioni sul sacerdozio
LEV, Città del Vaticano 2008, p. 94