Surrender is Calling

A Reflection on the Psalm for June 23rd, 2019:
The Solemnity of The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

Psalm 110

R. You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.

The Lord says to my lord, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.” 

R. You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.

The Lord sends out from Zion your mighty sceptre. Rule in the midst of your foes. 

R. You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.

Your people will offer themselves willingly on the day you lead your forces on the holy mountains. From the womb of the morning, like dew, your youth will come to you. 

R. You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.

The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, “You are a priest for ever according to the order of Melchizedek.” 

R. You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.

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I recently attended an ordination and this was the psalm proclaimed in the liturgy, “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.”

When I think about what a priestly calling is I can’t help but focus on the ordained ministry of priesthood, but the catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that through baptism we all live in Christ and share in everything He has.

“Christ, high priest and unique mediator, has made of the church ‘a kingdom, priests for His God and Father.’ The whole community of believers is, as such, priestly. The faithful exercise their baptismal priesthood through their participation, each according to his own vocation, in Christ’s mission as priest, prophet and king.” (CCC 1546)

So how can we share in Christ’s priesthood?

One role of a priest is to offer sacrifice to God. At the celebration of the Sacrament of the Eucharist the priest offers the sacrifice of bread and wine. This sacrifice is a sharing in the sacrifice that Christ offered on the cross. At the recent ordination the Bishop spoke of the sacrifice of giving one’s life to the service of others. He spoke of Christ giving His life for His friends.

"God desires our holiness so when we give up something for Him He grants us the grace to do it."

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The word sacrifice for me has always had somewhat of a negative connotation. “What do I have to give up?” Seeing the joy on the face of this newly ordained priest told me that this was no “sacrifice” for him. He was willingly giving his life to serve God’s people. Over the years I have given up many things for God and although it is hard to surrender at first the more I surrender the easier it becomes. Each thing that I surrender brings me joy. God desires our holiness so when we give up something for Him He grants us the grace to do it.
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Take a step toward holiness today. Participate in your priestly vocation and sacrifice something to God. Receive the grace, peace, and joy that He will give you for taking that step.

“What can I give Him, poor as I am.
If I were a shepherd I would give a lamb.
If I were a wise man I would do my part.
What can I give Him, Give my heart.” 

(In the Bleak Midwinter, Gustav Holst)

​Maxine Brown

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