Sacrifice, Suffering, and God's Priestly People

We "see Jesus 'crowned with glory and honor' because he suffered death, he who 'for a little while' was made 'lower than the angels,' that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting that he, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the leader to their salvation perfect through suffering. He who consecrates and those who are being consecrated all have one origin. Therefore, he is not ashamed to call them 'brothers,' saying: 'I will proclaim your name to my brothers, in the midst of the assembly I will praise you"; and again: 'I will put my trust in him'; and again: 'Behold, I and the children God has given me'" (Heb 2,9-13).(underlining and italicizing emphasis mine)

Keeping in mind that he "who consecrates and those who are being consecrated (namely, us) all have one origin", we eagerly look forward to this evening's Chrism Mass here in the Diocese of Salt Lake City. At this annual celebration we make visible this beautiful reality- the reality of the one priesthood of Jesus Christ. In the words of the Catechism of the Catholic Church: "The whole Church is a priestly people. Through Baptism all the faithful share in the priesthood of Christ. This participation is called the 'common priesthood of the faithful.' Based on this common priesthood and ordered to its service, there exists another participation in the mission of Christ: the ministry conferred by the sacrament of Holy Orders, where the task is to serve in the name and in the person of Christ the Head in the midst of the community." (CCC, 1591).

We pray:

Lord,
come to us:
free us from the stain of our sins.
Help us to remain faithful to a holy way of life,
and guide us to the inheritance you have promised.

Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

Amen!