For the last couple weeks, we’ve reflected on our Baptism. Of course, the Baptized are adopted children of God; that’s who Baptism says we are. But Baptism also has something to say about what we are too, it makes a practical difference; it gives us a job going all the way back to Adam and Eve. Being made in the image and likeness of God, the first couple were true prophets; a clear reflection of the maker, at least until they said, “no”, to his plan. Since then, fear has led God’s people to hide or cover themselves, obscuring the image of God within.
Adam and Eve were also kings, made to maintain the harmony of the Garden of Eden through their leadership and it worked, again, till they said, “no”, to the plan of the maker. Since then, even the best of leaders have let us down. We need good prophets whose life, words and actions reveal God and his word. We need good leaders, good kings for today, who bring harmony to God’s people and creation. Baptism is God’s first step in restoring those essential roles.
Made after his own image, God made Adam and Eve to be prophets, kings and also priests. The Garden of Eden was the place where Adam and Eve met with God, walked and spoke with him and offered back to him all that was made; it was a place of prayer, a kind of temple. Again, since the first couple said, “no”, to God, it’s been a challenge for many to find God, hear and speak with him and to offer him right worship. We need good priests to restore the relationship between God and his people.
Now, as Catholics, our understanding of priesthood is rooted in our Jewish background. Priests, like Zechariah, whose words we heard in today’s first reading, worked in the temple to restore and maintain the relationship between God and his people through prayer, worship and sacrifice; that’s what the priests were expected to do. In fact, only the priests were permitted inside the temple building, everyone else had to stay out in the courtyards. When thinking of priests today, it’s easy to maybe think of priests like Brother Joseph or myself. But we’re not the only priests in this space. Each Baptized person is a priest; it’s why, not just Brother Joseph and I but all of you are invited inside our church. Each of us are called to restore and maintain the relationship between God and his people through prayer, worship and sacrifice beginning right here at Mass.
At every Mass, each Baptized priest, each of us, has opportunity to offer prayers for the world by, not just listening, but by participating in what happens here; even the different postures we take and the hymns we sing are part of our shared prayer. At every Mass, each Baptized priest has opportunity to offer worship by helping out, maybe as choir members, hospitality, decorators, gardeners, altar servers or even by cleaning this space before each weekend: we don’t need any of ministries; they’re acts of worship done for God. At every Mass, each Baptized priest has opportunity to make a sacrifice, especially at the collection. Especially for parents, I know part of your sacrifice includes just getting here with your kids.
God has Baptized us priests so each can help restore the relationship between God and his people, to make every place, somewhere to meet God. Brother Joseph and I and every ordained priest work at that task in our own unique way, especially in this space. But, to tell the truth, I believe we have the easy job; we just need to follow the directions given by the Church. While we’re called to work here, you’re called to work everywhere else, to transform your homes, workplaces, communities, families, to make everywhere opportunities for all to meet God. Disciples do this by offering prayer, worship and sacrifice wherever they go.
It’s a serious job, a big job. So, begin in your own homes. Parents: you’re the chief priests in your families. Take steps to make your homes places of prayer, worship and sacrifice; it could be as simple as praying grace before dinner. To any employers here: you’re the chief priests in your workplace. Take steps to make your workplace a space of prayer, worship and sacrifice; it could be as simple as making sure your business is involved in charitable works in even a small way.
Wherever disciples go, they go as Baptized priests, offering prayer, worship and sacrifice so, once again, all God’s people have opportunity to meet, walks with and listen to the Maker, just as Adam and Eve first did.
Maker of all, we praise you for including us in your work. Send to us your Spirit, to form of us wonderful leaders, kings for today, with hearts reflecting your love. Make prophets of us who reveal your Good News and presence and inspire us as we serve you and all you have made as Baptized priests who imitate the prayer, worship and Sacrifice of our Saviour, in whose name we offer all our prayers. Amen.
