In the readings today we have a lot of choosing and sending. Our Lord tells the apostles in the Gospel: “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain.” And in the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, “the Apostles and presbyters, in agreement with the whole Church, decided to choose representatives and to send them”
Tonight, at the Cathedral, the Bishop will choose to ordain and send 8 men as presbyters for this age.
This Bishop, addressing the chosen men will address them with the following words: “A priest's duties are to offer sacrifice, to bless, to govern, to preach, and to baptize. So high a dignity should be approached with great awe, and care must be taken that those chosen for it are recommended by eminent wisdom, upright character, and a long-standing virtuous life…. Therefore, my dear sons, chosen as you are by the judgment of our brethren to be consecrated as our helpers, keep yourselves blameless in a life of chastity and sanctity. Be well aware of the sacredness of your duties. Be holy as you deal with holy things.”
If you’ve never attended an ordination before, tonight would be a wonderful opportunity to see this ancient rite that is traced back to the Lord himself choosing his apostles and sending them for the building up of the Church.
I believe I’ve attended ordination every year since my own ordination. I always find it brings renewal in my own priestly vocation.
It is also a reminder that each of us as disciples must freely choose every day to follow the Lord in holiness, we must choose to follow him when it is hard to do so, we must choose to follow him in the face of temptation, we must choose to pray amidst so many distractions, we must choose to obey the teaching of the Church, we must choose to love those who at times appear unlovable, and to forgive those who have insulted us or violated our freedom.
We make our choices in response to the Lord who has chosen each one of us for a life of holiness. He has chosen us because he has loved us, now we are called to love God and love another in return, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
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For ever deeper faithfulness in following the commandments of Christ and for the grace to love those who are difficult to love.
For lasting peace throughout the world: that Christ, the Prince of Peace will put an end to all enmity and division, and unify the peoples of the world.
For the 8 men who will be ordained presbyters tonight, that they may be ever faithful to their calling.
That those chosen to represent us in government will use their authority to protect the dignity of human life and the well-being of the poor, especially the unborn.
For those experiencing any kind of hardship or sorrow, isolation or illness, and that the Lord may grant his gift of peace to those most in need of it.
O God, who know that our life in this present age is subject to suffering and need, hear the prayers of those who cry to you and receive the prayers of those who believe in you. Through Christ our Lord.
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