A holy people, a royal priesthood

In our page 10 article about the Jogues House of Discernment in Watervliet, Ryan Salisbury, one of its residents, tells how reading the Book of Hebrews prompted his consideration of a priestly vocation. The Hebrews passage links priests in a sacred chain back to Christ and beyond to the high priest Melchizedek of Israel.

Apostolic continuity is one of the marvels of the Catholic Church, fraught as it may be by the very human aspect of its individual links. We would be a lost flock without our priests, whom we thank and celebrate this Priesthood Sunday.

Similarly, the Church would be at a loss if the pews were empty. We preach a priesthood of all the faithful, yet we need servant-leaders in the manner of Jesus Christ.

Priests carry on apostolic teaching and make salvation available to all. They are not a group set apart. Yet in the nitty-gritty of parish life, between committee meetings and altar server training, they serve and lead by recognizing the gifts of the laity and help us use these gifts for the whole community.

After Mass this weekend, thank your priest. Then do your part.

(09/23/10) [[In-content Ad]]