On the Priesthood

In my discussions with Christians outside the Catholic faith, I've often heard these questions: "Why does the Catholic Church place so much importance on the priesthood? Doesn't that unnecessarily elevate the necessity of these ministers over the necessity of the laity?" The questions show a few misunderstandings about the nature of the priesthood. First, I would remind us that the priesthood is not a man-made office. Holy Orders is a sacrament ordained by Christ himself. So it is God who chose to establish it in its special place. We, as Catholics, are merely being obedient in the respect we show to those whom He has chosen to fill this vital role.

Secondly, to take on the role of priest is not to take a step above your peers, but rather a step down. Just as Christ came to serve, not to be served, so are His priests servants to His people. They are sent as loving Fathers and guides, not dictators. They are the keepers and distributors of the Sacraments. Such responsibility demands much energy, and yes, requires that a certain amount of authority go with it. We are instructed to submit to our priests, not because they are our superiors, but because Christians are in fact called to be submissive people. Several times in the Epistles of Paul, Christians are instructed to submit to one another. So if we are to submit to one another in love, how much more are we to submit to our spiritual leaders, who bear such a great burden?

We must remember that it is the office to which we show honor, not the individual. There are many bad priests out there, who make no effort to live a life of virtue and have become cold in their duties. However this in no way invalidates the sacraments that they offer, for the power to perform the sacraments comes from God, not the man. There is a famous account about St. Francis of Assisi, who, upon visiting a small town, was met by the people with the demand for chastisement for their wicked priest. The good monk accompanied the people to meet the priest, who had become hardened, and brazenly awaited what Francis would have to say. St. Francis silenced the crowd, who awaited eagerly to see what harsh words he would have for the priest. However, very meekly and quietly, Francis took the hands of the priest in his own and spoke. "Whether or not this man has tainted his hands, I know not. All I know is that these hands bring me Christ." (meaning in the Eucharist) The priest's hardened heart was turned, and he repented of his acts, while the people learned a valuable lesson about the Holy Priesthood.

St. Francis had a high regard for the priesthood, as we should today. Our priests come under fierce attacks of the devil, who knows that he can do great damage by taking out a single priest. This is why priests need our fervent prayers and support. Not only do they come under fire of terrible temptation, but they also bear the burdens of their entire congregations. This is why so many priests fall, not because they are weak men, but because they are in the direct line of fire. In order to protect our spiritual leaders from such harm, we must be willing to humble ourselves enough to come down and lift them onto our own shoulders. It's not that they elevate themselves, for there should be no need for that, as we should do it for them. So I suppose answer to the question, "Why choose do you elevate your priests so?" would be that I don't. I would much prefer to humble myself. Amen.

Vincent Christian

On the Most Blessed Sacrament

Out of all the seven Sacraments, one is considered to be the most blessed of all. In the Eucharist (or Communion or The Lord's Supper), we partake of the body and blood of Christ in keeping with his instructions at the last supper with his disciples. While most Protestant churches do not acknowledge any Real presence in the Eucharist, Catholics believe in Transubstanciation (the actual transformation of bread and wine into the physical body and blood of Christ when it is consecrated by a priest). It is this belief that allows us to find far deeper meaning in the Lord's Supper, and part of the reason why we put so much emphasis on it within the Mass. It is in the Eucharist that we are able to come face to face with Christ in a very real and inspiring way.

There are many arguments today as to whether or not transubstanciation is a reality, but I'm not interested in focusing on those today. My intent is not to convince you of the doctrine, but to share its beauty, so that even if you are not Catholic, you can have some appreciation as to what we believe.

Within the Mass, there are plentiful symbolic elements, ranging from vestments and bells and so forth. While someone new to the Church might find such things to be mere pomp, they are actually vital elements of the celebration. It's true that the Mass could certainly be celebrated without such things if they were not available, but the visual reminders help us to focus our minds upon what is both a joyful and solemn event. In the Eucharist, we are remembering the Lord's death, which calls for some seriousness, but were are also rejoicing at his presence, the promise of his coming, and the hope that his words will be fulfilled. There are times during the Church year that are more celebratory while others are more somber. Just as Easter and Christmas are our most festive occasions, Lent would be a more solemn time of reflection. But even in the most somber days, there is always an element of joy within the Mass. It is this unusual cohabitation of joy and sorrow that allows us to appreciate how we in our own lives can still have joy, even in the most sorrowful of circumstances.

But let's get back to the Eucharist, which is certainly the most important facet of the Mass. It is in the Eucharist, when the priest says the prayer of consecration, that the bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Christ. He is then there with us in a physical way that we cannot otherwise experience on earth. Because it is the actual body and blood of Christ, Catholics are expected to observe the Eucharistic Fast in which they do not eat for one hour before the Mass (for more orthodox Christians, the fast begins on midnight of the prior day). One can also notice that great care is taken not to spill a single crumb of consecrated bread. When one receives, they are not supposed to touch the bread, other than the brief transition from the priest's hand to their own mouths. Some even allow the priest to place the Host directly in their mouth, out of respect. Also, one is not to take the Eucharist unworthily, meaning if they are aware of unconfessed sin, they are not to partake before proper confession.

It is also because of this special emphasis on the Eucharist, that non-Catholics are requested not to partake. But Protestants should not feel excluded by this. It is certainly not a shot at them. In fact, even a Catholic who has not yet been Confirmed (another Sacrament which will be discussed later) by a Bishop is required to wait until after their Confirmation. The reason for the "exclusion" is that the Eucharist is such a meaningful event, that the Church wants one to have full understanding and appreciation of it before taking it. It is a concern born out of love, not arrogance, as some think.

Also, for those who wish to approach the alter for a blessing may, without taking the Eucharist. Instead of holding out your hands, or opening your mouth, merely cross your hands over your chest and the priest will bless you. This option is open to all, not just Catholics.

If you have seen a Mass but don't understand all that you've seen, look up a local priest and ask questions. Even if you interest is not in converting, it would be spiritually beneficial to explore all of the beauty and wonder that is the Eucharist. Amen.

Vincent Christian