Sacrament of Holy Orders

A priest reflects on our evolving understanding of the Catholic priesthood. Changes in our experience of other sacraments (Baptism, Eucharist and Reconciliation especially) have affected how we see ordained ministry. Should priests be set apart (special clothes, housing, life-style) or should they live in the midst of the people they serve? Is religion about the next life or this one? "The tension between being set apart and living in the midst is perhaps a reflection of the tension between the Sacraments of Holy Orders and Baptism. As the Church passes from century to century, each age discovers a way to synthesize this tension."