Grace Builds on Nature: The Foundation of Priestly Fraternity | Bonus Episode | SJS Podcast
SJS Podcast
In this episode of the Saint John’s Seminary Podcast, Most Reverend Robert Reed, Auxiliary Bishop of Boston, President of CatholicTV, and Rector of Saint John’s Seminary, reflects on the foundations of healthy priestly fraternity. Recorded during the conference “One Priesthood, Many Ages: Renewing Fraternity in the New England Presbyterate,” Bishop Reed explores how priests can remain united in mission while honoring the different personalities, experiences, gifts, and perspectives each priest brings to the presbyterate. At the heart of his reflection is the spiritual principle that “grace builds on nature.” The grace of ordination does not erase a priest’s unique gifts and temperament; rather, it elevates and perfects them for service to the Church. Healthy fraternity, therefore, does not require sameness. It requires clarity, communication, mutual support, and a willingness to offer our individual gifts for the good of the whole. Bishop Reed also offers practical guidance for strengthening fraternity, emphasizing the importance of clear and charitable communication, a consistent daily rule of life, ongoing renewal in the grace of priesthood, and a deepening relationship with Jesus Christ. Above all, priests are called to live Christ’s commandment to love one another even amid their differences.