DC PRIEST: Ordination to the Priesthood

Summary

In this script from an ordination ceremony, the significance of the ancient ritual is emphasized, highlighting the priest's configuration to Christ and the Holy Spirit's role. The ordination is a call to the new evangelization, with Pope Francis as a guiding model, urging priests to 'Go out, seek what's lost.' The script also references the Eucharistic ministry as a response to Jesus' Last Supper command, and the ongoing mission of Jesus Christ through the priests.

Takeaways

• 🙏 Jesus emphasizes that He has chosen the disciples, not the other way around.
• 📜 The second reading from the First Letter of Paul to Timothy highlights the ancient ritual of ordination.
• ✝️ The priest is configured to Christ, the Eternal High Priest, and joined to the priesthood of the bishops.
• 🕊️ The imposition of hands in silence symbolizes the work of the Holy Spirit, not human effort.
• ⛪ The ordination connects to the mission of the local Church, specifically the Church of Washington.
• 🔥 This moment marks a new Pentecost for the exercise of Jesus Christ's eternal priesthood.
• 🔔 The priest is called to continue the mission of evangelization, as emphasized by Pope Francis.
• 🐑 The Good Shepherd encourages priests to seek out and care for the lost, as part of their ministry.
• 🕊️ Saint John Paul II teaches that priests find their identity in being united with Jesus and the Eucharistic ministry.
• 🙏 The Church prays for the ordination to bear fruitful completion, as the mission of Christ continues.

Q & A

What does Jesus mean when He says, 'You have not chosen me, I have chosen you'?

Jesus emphasizes that the disciples' role and calling come from His decision, not their own, reflecting the divine choice and authority in the priesthood.

What is highlighted by the imposition of hands in the ordination ritual?

The imposition of hands in silence symbolizes that the ordination is the work of the Holy Spirit, not of human effort, underscoring divine involvement in the priesthood.

What connection does the priest have with the Eternal High Priest during ordination?

During ordination, the priest is configured to Christ, the Eternal High Priest, and is united with the priesthood of bishops, which reflects the continuity of the Church's sacred traditions.

What is meant by the 'new Pentecost' in the context of ordination?

The 'new Pentecost' refers to the fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit's grace, empowering the newly ordained priest to carry forward the mission of Jesus Christ with renewed zeal and guidance.

What role does Pope Francis play in relation to priestly ministry, as mentioned in the script?

Pope Francis serves as a model and voice for priestly ministry, especially in urging priests to reach out and seek the lost, echoing the mission of Jesus as the Good Shepherd.

How does Saint John Paul II describe the priest's identity?

Saint John Paul II teaches that a priest finds his full identity in being one with Jesus Christ, acting as a living and transparent image of Christ, especially through his Eucharistic ministry.

What is the significance of Jesus' command 'Do this in memory of me' for priests?

Jesus' command during the Last Supper highlights the priest's role in continuing the celebration of the Eucharist, perpetuating His sacrificial love and the mission of the Church.

What is the message of the phrase 'Feed my sheep' in this context?

'Feed my sheep' conveys the responsibility placed upon priests to care for and spiritually nurture the faithful, following Christ's example as the Good Shepherd.

What is the significance of the ordination being described as 'your turn now'?

The phrase 'your turn now' reflects the passing of responsibility to the newly ordained priests, indicating that they are now tasked with continuing the mission of Jesus Christ and His Church.

What is the final prayer for the newly ordained priests in the script?

The final prayer expresses hope that the good work begun in the newly ordained priests will be brought to fruitful completion by God, underscoring the ongoing nature of their divine calling.