Priests, Prophets, and Kings — Bishop Barron’s Sunday Sermon

Summary

This powerful reflection on the Baptism of the Lord highlights the profound significance of Baptism in the Christian life. The speaker explains that through Baptism, believers are grafted into Christ and share in his divine life. Every baptized person is called to live out three key roles: priest, prophet, and king. As priests, we are intercessors for others; as prophets, we speak God’s word and defend our faith; and as kings, we guide our lives and others toward God’s kingdom. The homily challenges us to live out these roles actively, recognizing the transformative power of Baptism in our daily lives.

Takeaways

• 😀 Baptism is the most important day in a Christian’s life, even if many cannot remember the exact day they were baptized.
• 😀 Through baptism, we are grafted onto Christ, sharing in His relationship with the Father, and becoming sons and daughters in the Son.
• 😀 Baptism grants every Christian a threefold identity: as priest, prophet, and king.
• 😀 As priests, baptized individuals are called to intercede for others through prayer and participate in the Mass, the source and summit of Christian life.
• 😀 Intercessory prayer is a key expression of the baptismal priesthood, as baptized people are called to pray for their family, friends, and the world.
• 😀 Baptism also anoints individuals as prophets, meaning they are called to speak the word of God, share the faith, and study scripture.
• 😀 Prophets face challenges and persecution for speaking God’s truth, just as biblical prophets did, but every baptized person shares this mission.
• 😀 Parents are called to be the first teachers of the faith, actively passing on the truth of God’s word to their children from a young age.
• 😀 Every baptized person is also anointed as a king, called to order their life and direct the gifts they have toward the Kingdom of God.
• 😀 Kingship includes leading others, especially in families, toward their vocations and exercising self-mastery in order to serve God more effectively.
• 😀 The feast of the Baptism of the Lord reminds us of our baptismal identity as priests, prophets, and kings, urging us to live out these roles every day.

Q & A

What is the significance of Baptism according to the script?

Baptism is the most important day for a Christian, as it grafts the person onto Christ, allowing them to share in the Son's relationship with the Father. It marks the beginning of their spiritual life, making them sons and daughters in the Son and bringing them into the divine life.

How does Baptism identify us with Christ?

Through Baptism, Christians are anointed as priest, prophet, and king, just as those figures were anointed in the Old Testament. This marks a spiritual identity that connects them to Christ's roles and mission.

What does it mean to be a priest after Baptism?

Being a priest means taking on the role of intercessor, praying for others, and mediating between humanity and God. All baptized individuals are called to intercede for others, whether as parents, children, or members of a community.

How can Catholics express their priesthood outside of Mass?

Catholics can express their priesthood through intercessory prayer, such as praying for family members, friends, and others in need, and through actions like praying before meals or blessing their children before bed.

What is the role of the priest in Mass?

The priest at Mass acts as the mediator, offering the sacrifice of Christ to God. However, every baptized person participates in this sacrifice, as the priest invites everyone to join in offering their sacrifices as well.

What is the role of a prophet in the Bible and for baptized individuals?

A prophet speaks the words of God. For baptized individuals, this means sharing their faith publicly, studying scripture and theology, and being ready to answer questions about their beliefs.

How should baptized individuals engage with the scriptures and theology?

Baptized individuals are encouraged to read scripture, study theology, and engage with spiritual writings. This equips them to speak confidently about their faith and provide answers to others, fulfilling their prophetic role.

What responsibility do parents have as prophets for their children?

Parents, as the first teachers of the faith, have the responsibility to share the truths of the faith with their children. This includes teaching them how to pray, understanding sacraments, and guiding them in their spiritual life from a young age.

What does it mean to be a king in the spiritual sense after Baptism?

A spiritual king is someone who orders and directs the charisms (gifts) given to them by the Holy Spirit to lead others toward God. This can include helping others discern their vocations and guiding their spiritual journey.

How can individuals act as kings in their own lives?

Spiritual kingship begins with self-mastery—ordering one's own desires and impulses in alignment with God's will. This enables individuals to lead others more effectively, both within their families and in the broader community.