Homilia Dominical | Padre, seja sacerdote e vítima! (15.º Domingo do Tempo Comum)

Summary

In this passionate sermon, the speaker discusses the Catholic priesthood, emphasizing the distinction between priests and deacons, and the unique power and responsibilities of priests to offer the Eucharistic sacrifice and forgive sins. The sermon delves into the life of Apostles, highlighting their renunciation and dedication to Christ as a model for modern priests. It criticizes the secularization of the clergy and calls for a return to a more sacrificial and victim-like role, akin to Christ, to truly embody the Catholic priesthood.

Takeaways

• 📜 The sermon discusses the Gospel of Mark 6:7-13, where Jesus calls his 12 apostles and sends them on a mission, emphasizing the importance of understanding the Catholic priesthood.
• 🙏 The Catholic priesthood is defined by the ability to offer the Eucharistic sacrifice and forgive sins, a role exclusive to priests and bishops, distinguishing them from deacons.
• 🔑 Jesus chose the 12 apostles, creating a distinction within the Church between the laity and the ordained priests, highlighting a difference from Protestant beliefs of equality among all members.
• 🌐 The sermon emphasizes the dual role of Catholic priests as both having the power to perform sacraments and living a life of renunciation, following the example of the apostles.
• 👨‍🦳 St. Peter, as an example, left his family and possessions to follow Jesus, illustrating the sacrificial aspect of the priesthood that is expected of priests.
• 🔄 The speaker criticizes the modern influence of Protestantism and secularism within the Catholic Church, arguing that it has led to a decline in priests living a distinct, sacrificial life.
• 💔 The sermon addresses the 'spiritual vasectomy' among priests, suggesting that a lack of self-sacrifice and renunciation is hindering the fruitfulness of the Church.
• 🤔 The speaker calls for a return to the traditional lifestyle of the apostles, arguing that the current crisis in the priesthood stems from a departure from this model.
• 🙅‍♂️ The sermon rejects the idea of ordaining married men as a solution to the vocations crisis, instead advocating for a deeper commitment to the sacrificial aspects of the priesthood.
• 🙏 The preacher encourages the congregation to pray for priests, especially the younger ones who are searching for the right path, emphasizing the need for priests to believe in their own mission.
• ✝️ The sermon concludes with a call for priests to be both spiritual leaders and victims, offering themselves to God as Christ did on the cross, as a means to truly serve the faithful.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the sermon in the provided script?

The main theme of the sermon is the distinction between the roles of priests and laity in the Catholic Church, the importance of understanding the identity of Catholic priests, and the call to a life of sacrifice and dedication as exemplified by the Apostles.

According to the script, who are considered priests in the Catholic Church?

In the Catholic Church, priests are the bishops and the presbyters (fathers), as they alone can offer the Eucharistic sacrifice and have the power to forgive sins. Deacons are not considered priests.

What is the significance of Jesus choosing the 12 Apostles as mentioned in the script?

The choosing of the 12 Apostles by Jesus signifies the establishment of two categories within the Church: the laity and the ordained priests, and it also implies the transmission of a specific power and a way of life to these chosen individuals.

Why does the speaker emphasize the difference between Catholic priests and Protestant pastors?

The speaker emphasizes the difference to highlight that Catholic priests are called to a life of sacrifice and service to God, unlike Protestant pastors who may lead more egalitarian roles within their communities, without the same sacramental responsibilities.

What does the script suggest about the current state of the priesthood and the perceived problems within the Catholic Church?

The script suggests that there is a crisis of identity and vocation among some priests, with a move towards a more worldly and less sacrificial lifestyle, which is seen as a departure from the original model of the Apostles.

What is the speaker's view on the proposal of ordaining married men to solve the vocation crisis in the Catholic Church?

The speaker disagrees with the idea of ordaining married men as a solution to the vocation crisis, arguing that it may introduce more worldly concerns into the priesthood and does not address the need for a more sacrificial and dedicated lifestyle.

What is the concept of 'sacerdotal victim' mentioned in the script?

The concept of 'sacerdotal victim' refers to the idea that priests should be both 'sacerdotes' (sacrificing priests) and 'vítimas' (victims), meaning they should offer themselves in sacrifice to God, following the example of Jesus and the Apostles.

How does the speaker describe the traditional role of a Catholic priest in relation to the community?

The speaker describes the traditional role of a Catholic priest as being primarily a servant of God, who leads a life of dedication and sacrifice, in contrast to being merely a public servant or community organizer.

What does the script suggest about the importance of the example set by priests in the Catholic Church?

The script suggests that the example set by priests is crucial, as they are expected to embody the life of the Apostles, showing humility, poverty, and self-sacrifice, which serves as a witness to the faithful and a guide for their spiritual journey.

What is the speaker's view on the importance of maintaining the traditional lifestyle and beliefs of Catholic priests?

The speaker believes that maintaining the traditional lifestyle and beliefs is essential for the priesthood, as it is tied to the spiritual fruitfulness of the Church and the ability of priests to lead and inspire the faithful.