Celebrating the Priesthood
On the anniversary of [one of] my ordination[s].
I’ve been ordained for 25 years! My ministry road has been circuitous, filled with twists and turns, highlights and deep valleys. Seven years ago I experienced one those high spots when I was ordained again, this time to the Anglican priesthood.
The fact that I’ve been ordained a couple times is a peculiar part of my story that reminds me of the Lords faithfulness and his persevering love and leading in my life.
It’s been a wild ride but being a priest is a joy that has made sense of so many aspects of my vocation. I’m grateful that God has placed me in this great line of believers and faithful ministers of the gospel.
As I do most years, I read through The Examination in the 2019 BCP ordination service (pg. 490) and reflected on this great calling to be a priest in Christ’s Church. Here are a few parts that stood out to me today…
Bishop: Do you believe in your heart that you are truly called, according to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, and according to the Canons of this Church, to the Order and ministry of the Priesthood?
Answer: I do so believe.
Bishop: Will you then give your faithful diligence always so to minister the doctrine, sacraments, and discipline of Christ, as the Lord has commanded and as this Church has received them, according to the Commandments of God, so that you may teach the people committed to your charge with all diligence to keep and observe them?
Answer: I will, the Lord being my helper.
Bishop: Will you then give your faithful diligence always so to minister the doctrine, sacraments, and discipline of Christ, as the Lord has commanded and as this Church has received them, according to the Commandments of God, so that you may teach the people committed to your charge with all diligence to keep and observe them?
Answer: I will, the Lord being my helper.
Bishop: Will you be diligent to frame and fashion your own life [and the life of your family], according to the doctrine of Christ, and to make yourself [and them, as much as you are able], a wholesome example and pattern to the flock of Christ?
Answer: I will, the Lord being my helper.
Bishop: Will you maintain and set forward, as much as you are able, quietness, peace, and love among all Christian people, and especially among those who are or shall be committed to your charge?
Answer: I will, the Lord being my helper.
“I will, the Lord being my helper.”
This continues to be, both my prayer and calling.
Obediently saying yes to God!
“I will, with your help.”
Another part of the service that was and is meaningful to me consisted of laying prostrate on the floor, in front of my bishop while the vent creator spiritus was sung / prayed…
veni, creator spiritus.
(this arrangement, by my friend Fr. Rob Patterson, was sung at my ordination service.)