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April 1, 2023As we prepare to enter into Holy Week, the most Sacred time in our liturgical year, we shall celebrate God’s Love for us and His desire to suffer, die and be raised from the dead so that we—all of us—might live forever.
This weekend we celebrate Palm Sunday, when Jesus entered triumphantly into Jerusalem. Shortly thereafter, the elders and the people turned on Him; they scourged and mocked Him, nailed Him to the Cross and then once dead, buried Him. However, God had a plan.
His Plan: Next week—Holy Week—we celebrate
The Chrism Mass on Tuesday at the Cathedral of St. Joseph is a Mass when the priests of the Archdiocese will join the Archbishop and renew their ordination promises to him and his successors, including their promise of obedience as Chief Shepherd of the Archdiocese. The Cathedral filled with Catholics of all ages, will see the sacred oils used in the Sacramental Life of the Church shall be consecrated by the Archbishop. Those oils are: (a) the Oil of Catechumen for Baptism; (b) the oil o Sacred Chrism for Baptism, Confirmation and Ordination; and, (c) the oil of the Sick for the Anointing of the Sick.
Holy Thursday, when we celebrate the Last Supper, complete with the institution of the Priesthood of Jesus Christ; the Mandatum—the washing of the feet; the transfer of the Sacred Eucharist and adoration thereof; and, finally the leaving in silence until we join again for Good Friday’s Passion.
Good Friday, we celebrate the Passion of the Lord, complete with the readings in parts to tell the story of the Passion, death and Resurrection of the Lord; and, the veneration of the Cross, Holy Communion and the Great Silence.
Holy Saturday and the Great Easter Vigil. At this solemn Mass, there are many parts: the Lucernarium with the Exsultet (the chanted story of human Salvation), the Liturgy of the Word, the Sacraments (Baptism, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion), and the Liturgy of the Word, the Liturgy of Communion and the Great Dismissal (the Easter Alleluia!).
The Alleluia Party in Russell Hall! Come meet the new Catholics those in full communion with the Church. Celebrate the glory of Life Everlasting and the Love of God for the whole of His Creation. Eternal Life is ours!
Therefore, what is the point of “headlining” this page with “Prayer for Vocations?” It is because “at that first Eucharist before He died,” at the first Holy Thursday, Christ Himself instituted the Priesthood (of Jesus Christ) for memorializing the Last Supper each time the Mass is celebrated. As Roman Catholics we do not “reenact” the Mass, it is not a play; it is in fact the memorializing of the First Eucharist. The priest, acting In Persona Christi, brings the Last Supper into being once again, as a memorial. The priest stands In Persona Christi—in the person of Christ at that Mass.
Priests are required for the continuation of the Church, the celebration of the Eucharist, and for the sacramental life of the Church. We all have a role to play in the growth of vocations to the priesthood. In fact, the Prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood says it most beautifully in the third stanza: “Make my parish, my home and my heart fruitful ground for Your gift of vocations to the priesthood of Jesus Christ.”
My parish should be a place where we recognize those in prayer and ask the simple question, “Have you ever thought about being a priest or entering religious life?” A simple statement, “you would make a fine priest…” Should be part of our family discussions?
My home, is that a place where a priestly vocation might sprout? I am not talking about the Normal Rockwell painting of the home. However, do we say grace at mealtime? Do we speak of Christ or of faith at all— especially when topics of import are raised in the news?
My heart, is it open to the Holy Spirit? Do I act on my desire, if I have one, to serve God and His Church? Am I programed only to consider what the material world considers success—good paying jobs, material wealth, power and prestige; or, do I consider adding to the common good by way of faith?
My parish, My home and My heart. Fruitful ground for Christ and for His Call. I hope that this Easter Season will spark a 50-day renewal in our praying this prayer, especially these very personal and important words. May all our hearts be open?
