God works in and through us as we serve one another
by Sister Sally Ann Brickner
Through our baptism we are in relationship with Jesus, the Living Stone rejected by humanity but chosen by God. As baptized followers of Christ, we are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, … a people of his own, …” says St. Peter. (1 Peter 2:9)
Sunday's first reading from the Acts of the Apostles provides a portrait of "priestly" ministry by those individuals who were chosen to serve the Greek widows who were being neglected in the daily distribution. Today, we witness other examples of the “priesthood of the faithful” within our families and in our parishes.
- We see parents teaching their children to know and live their Christian faith.
- We observe parishioners serving as lectors, Eucharistic ministers, song leaders, music leaders, and catechists.
- We experience women and men hospitably making and serving parish dinners for funerals, fund-raising events, and socials.
- We view individuals lending a hand with grounds keeping, decorating, maintenance, visiting the sick and homebound, and secretarial work.
- Some might also offer service as a counselor, lawyer, parish nurse, teacher’s aide, parish trustee or committee member.
By “being in Christ Jesus” through our baptism, we enter the Paschal Mystery so as to bear much fruit. Every good work we do, like the works of Jesus Himself, give witness to our participation in the “priesthood of the faithful.” They are accomplished not by us alone but by God who works in and through us so that we may announce God’s praises and ultimately enter into God’s glory. Together we acclaim:
Priestly people, kingly people, holy people,
God’s chosen people, sing praise to the Lord! (“Priestly People” by Lucien Deiss)
A very beautiful and meaningful reflection. Thank you, Sister Sally Ann.
To re-affirm and "fan into flame" y/our own baptism and anointing into the priesthood of JESUS CHRIST, pray with the following taken from the Catholic Rite of Baptism:
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"ANOINTING WITH CHRISM:
Then the celebrant says: 'God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has freed you from sin, given you a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and welcomed you into his holy people. He now anoints you with the chrism of salvation. As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet, and King, so may you live always as a member of his body, sharing everlasting life.'
All: Amen.
Then the celebrant anoints the child on the crown of the head with the sacred chrism, in silence.
EPHPHETHA or PRAYER OVER EARS and MOUTH:
The celebrant touches the ears and mouth of the child with his thumb, saying:
'The Lord Jesus made the deaf hear and the dumb speak. May he soon touch your ears to receive his word, and your mouth to proclaim his faith, to the praise and glory of God the Father.'
All: Amen."
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So it is. ALL THANKS and PRAISE BE TO GOD!