"Not everyone who wanders is lost." J.R.R. Tolkien
The name Whiskey Priest became a preferred nickname of mine some years ago. It was bestowed as a metonym for a life that was pummeled by sin and yet profoundly shaped by grace. Traditionally, the phrase “Whiskey Priest” is used to describe a priest whose obvious moral weaknesses stand in stark contrast to his message. The term became increasingly popular through the writings of famed novelist Graham Greene in his 1940 book, The Power and the Glory.
Despite the negative connotations, there is much room for grace in the term. The word ‘Whiskey’ literally means “Water of Life;” Aqua Vitae, in Latin. So, in a very real sense, it may be the most grace-filled phrase we can use to describe a priest whose life, though fraught with moral weakness, is being transformed along the way by the very ‘water of life’ he bears.
In that sense, I am very much a Whiskey Priest. My own experience with the mercies of Christ is that they are poured out along the way and in the midst of storms. Yet, ironically, it is here, in the depths of our hidden lives that the living water washes through, bringing healing and peace, and then overflows to everyone around.
“Let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price…” Jesus, Revelation 22:17b
Who doesn’t want that kind of Whiskey?
Learn a little more about the Whiskey Priest here: Webisode from "Neale Bayly Rides: Peru" TV Show
Despite the negative connotations, there is much room for grace in the term. The word ‘Whiskey’ literally means “Water of Life;” Aqua Vitae, in Latin. So, in a very real sense, it may be the most grace-filled phrase we can use to describe a priest whose life, though fraught with moral weakness, is being transformed along the way by the very ‘water of life’ he bears.
In that sense, I am very much a Whiskey Priest. My own experience with the mercies of Christ is that they are poured out along the way and in the midst of storms. Yet, ironically, it is here, in the depths of our hidden lives that the living water washes through, bringing healing and peace, and then overflows to everyone around.
“Let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price…” Jesus, Revelation 22:17b
Who doesn’t want that kind of Whiskey?
Learn a little more about the Whiskey Priest here: Webisode from "Neale Bayly Rides: Peru" TV Show