The Sacred Calling of Intercessory Prayer

 

In Zechariah chapter 3, we read that Joshua the high priest stood before the Lord, while Satan was present to accuse him. As I reflect on this passage, I am reminded that spiritual leaders, especially, are under constant attack from the evil one. The devil seeks to strike those who shepherd the flock, and thus priests, bishops, and those close to them—where applicable—are special targets. We are called to be compassionate and supportive, never quick to judge or condemn those who serve. Rather, we ought to remember that our leaders are in desperate need of our prayers and encouragement.

 

Satan, the adversary, accuses Joshua, but the Lord intervenes: "The Lord rebuke you, Satan!" (Zech 3:2). This brings to mind Christ’s role as our Advocate before the Father—a role expressed daily in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, where Jesus, “ever living to make intercession for us” (Heb 7:25), pleads for His Church. It is crucial to remember that, even while the devil seeks to accuse and divide, Christ prays for us, uniting us into one body through His sacrifice and continual intercessory prayer.

There are, in heaven, two ministries: one of accusation and one of intercession. When we gossip, slander, or speak ill of another—especially those who serve God—we risk collaborating with the accuser. But when we pray for those who are weak or who struggle, we join Christ’s ministry of mercy and intercession. As Catholics, we are called to the latter, seeking always to support, defend, and lift up our brothers and sisters. In the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we experience the mercy of Christ firsthand, and we are challenged to extend that same mercy to others, refusing to participate in the ministry of accusation.

 

When others accuse, I strive to follow the Lord’s example: “I rebuke your accusations.” In practice, this means refusing to entertain gossip or negative talk about others. If someone comes to me with an accusation, I encourage them instead to pray for the person involved, or to speak directly to them in charity. This approach has preserved peace in my community of friends, making it a place where the devil’s accusations find no foothold.

 

The Lord commands the angel, “Take away his filthy garments” and clothe Joshua anew. This speaks to the reality of God’s grace through the sacraments, especially Baptism and Confession, where Christ Himself cleanses us and clothes us in the robe of righteousness. We are urged to see all members of the Body of Christ as clothed in this same spotless garment. Indeed, the saints teach us to look for the good in others, to desire sincerely their sanctification and glory.

 

Zechariah, caught up in the vision, asks the Lord to place a beautiful turban on Joshua’s head—a sign of honor and dignity. This, too, is our calling: to collaborate with Christ in making our brothers and sisters radiant with grace. In practical terms, this might mean pointing out the goodness in others when they are criticized, or interceding for their needs. The Catholic tradition is rich in this spirit, as the saints and faithful constantly lift each other up in prayer and support.

Let us not join the enemy in criticizing God’s people. Instead, whenever the Spirit brings to mind a priest, a bishop, a fellow parishioner, or any servant of the Lord, let us pray for them with sincere devotion. Ask the Lord to protect, strengthen, and bless their ministry and their families. In doing so, we participate in the sacred calling of intercessory prayer—a ministry at the heart of the Church and pleasing to Christ our Advocate. -F.D.