Nothing But You, Lord: Reflections on the Priesthood and Priestly Formation through the Lens of Bishop Robert Barron

As a parishioner where Father Cush was once in residence and a reader of his previous and new book, I am among “the faithful interested in the role of the priest,” and delighted to learn about their education under his priestly calling as a seminarian professor. While an eight year Program of Priestly Formation seems a good start, Cush expects more from his graduates whose studies culminate in the sacrament of Holy Orders into the priesthood. Like his eminent role model Bishop Barron, whose writings he expounds upon, Cush wants priests to be heroic Doctors of the Soul for the people of the Church. Both theologians advocate this vocation through affirmative orthodoxy, and I couldn't agree more. Although priests are no less a part of the world as the laity, the newly ordained are counted on to lead by example, “show not tell” how “Being inflamed with the love of the Lord should be the goal of each and every Christian.” Young priests as “mystagogue” are to enlighten and heal souls entrusted to them, as they were transformed by their teachers, through doctrines of the Magisterium. By this new book, Cush shows that he and Bishop Barron have both internalized these convictions, and likewise wants their readers to also.

I recommend this to all Priests.It is an excellent challenge and refresher to address and reflect upon all aspects of the gift of being a RomanCatholic Priest.