"It is even more obvious if another priest is raised up after the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become so, not by a law expressed in a commandment concerning physical descent but by the power of a life that cannot be destroyed. For it is testified: You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek." - Heb. 7:15-17
It doesn't belong to me. While I may misspeak and say something like "I love my priesthood." It is a very inaccurate statement and potentially a dangerous one. The ordained priesthood that I have received, isn't mine. Thank you God, because I would mess it up severely.
It is a priesthood which is in the line of Melchizedek—a priesthood which has existed for ever and will exist for ever—in saecula saeculorum. This reality has implications when it comes to how I live out the priesthood of Jesus Christ. I don't do as I want, I don't determine what a good priest is, I don't make my own rules. The priesthood belongs to Jesus Christ and it is my job to belong to His priesthood.
Please pray for your priests that we may never allow the priesthood to be about us, but always about Him.
In addition to this, there is a priesthood outside of the ordained priesthood of Jesus Christ. In fact, it is foundational. Each baptized Christian shares in the baptismal priesthood bestowed upon us by Christ. Each of us has been brought into His work of sanctification of the world. May we allow the priesthood of Jesus Christ to grow within us—a priesthood which does not belong to us. May we make for the priesthood described in Hebrews, a priesthood and power of life that cannot be destroyed.
How might I support my priest in his work?
Jesus, help our priests in the Diocese of St. Petersburg to be more perfectly united to the Priesthood of Your Son.
Reflection by:
Fr. Chuck Dornquast
Did You Know...
Fr. Chuck Dornquast is a son of St. Joseph Parish in Zephyrhills. After graduating from Zephyrhills High School he entered seminary where he would spend the next 9 years. While in seminary he spent time at many of our diocesan parishes and discovered more and more the heart of Christ the High Priest within him. After ordination he spent his first 4 years of priesthood as the associate pastor of St. Lawrence in Tampa. He currently serves the Diocese of St. Petersburg as the Director of Vocations.
Pray with us for the men and women discerning the priesthood and religious life. To pray for our seminarians by name or to find out more about the Diocese of St. Petersburg vocations office, click here
