Priests are funny animals. We have giant laundry lists of thing we want done in, around and for the Church. We complain that we don’t have enough time to do what we want to do. We put things off until it’s "clinch" time, and then we can’t understand why no one’s around to help.

We want help, need help—we want to share, need to share—but so often don’t get around to asking. Maybe we’re not good at asking. Maybe we’re too distracted. Maybe we’re so distracted we don’t see the talent, willingness and commitment surrounding us.

I’m talking about you—how priests have a hard time discovering you. What is this "you"? The you that has an interesting background, training, pursuits, hobbies, specialties … the you that is passionate about home, work and Church-life. The you that is willing to share all of these things, if only asked.

Now here’s a mouthful. Did you know that sometimes even you have a hard time discovering you? How many times have you looked a myriad of requests, advertisements and opportunities in Reflections up, down and around and just figured that there was nothing there for you—that somehow, what you’re interested in or good at simply wouldn’t connect with said needs. How many times have you had something catch your eye, but just weren’t willing to envision yourself committing, growing, or bringing your unique perspective to a particular ministry … weren’t willing to take a risk?

What if it doesn’t work out? What if I’m not good enough? There must be someone who’s a better match. X,Y and Z person said this isn’t for me. What if I fail?

Fine. I’ve failed at lots of things, and I’ll fail at many more. We all have; we all will. What if we fail? Big deal. What if we never try? That’s real failure. God told Peter to feed his sheep. He didn’t say, "Feed my sheep, if you want," or "Feed my sheep as long as you don’t think it’s too risky or too much trouble." He said "Feed my sheep." Sounds like a commandment to me. If you love God, you will feed his sheep (see John 21:15-19).

We have a responsibility toward God’s Church. For example, when you hear the word "stewardship" this month, and throughout the coming year, don’t make the common mistake of thinking only about financial resources. The financial aspect is a no-brainer, but there’s much more to stewardship. The Lord commands you to "discover you"—to look inside yourself, be thankful for His gifts, pray about how you can best utilize them, think about how you can serve His Gospel, and to act! This means you have to re-discover yourself. You have to give in every way. You have to know your gifts and become willing to share them.

This isn’t so bad … weren’t they given to you for sharing in the first place?

In the end, priests aren’t so bad. Sometimes, they just have a hard time discovering just how much you have to offer, and how willing you are to share all that God gave you. They just need a little help, little reminders from time to time.

Do your priest a favor. Bless your loving parish family. Take the time to discover "you" in 2008—then take the time to share that remarkable you with our Church. Together we’ll stumble a bit from time to time, but it’s important to try—and try hard. Success in the Lord will come.