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PORTRAIT OF A PRIEST

  • Writer: Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
    Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
  • Apr 17
  • 3 min read

Today’s Readings:

Hebrews 7:1-3,15-17

Psalm 110:1-4

Mark 3:1-6



A photo portrait captures what is essential to a person, mostly their face. A Catholic priest is not his person. He shows the face of the one whom the Letter to the Hebrews describes as “the second Melchizedek”. Christ, the new Melchizedek, is a priest by the power of an indestructible life because he has neither a beginning nor an end (Hebrews 7:17). Why is it important to establish Jesus’ eternal priesthood? I spoke of a portrait earlier. The portrait of the priesthood we find in Christ is one who:

  • Offers himself for the good of others (Victimhood).

  • He also comes under attack from those who think He has no business being a priest (Persecution).


It is this twofold image that Jesus passes on to His Apostles the night before He endured suffering and death on the Cross. He says: “And giving thanks, He broke it, and said: ‘Take and eat. This is my body, which shall be given up for you. Do this in remembrance of me’ (1 Corinthians 11:24). Jesus identifies Himself with “broken bread”, a symbol of His victimhood—He is broken for our Salvation. By saying “Do this in remembrance of me”, He passes on His priestly powers to His Apostles. The Apostles and their successors will be priests, broken and persecuted like their Master. Every baptised Christian, by their Baptism, is a priest and priestess too. You too will be broken and offered for the good of your brothers and sisters—willingly or unwillingly. Jesus was clear about this when, in John’s Gospel, He says: "If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you" (John 15:18).


The world does not hate priests/ministers of God because they do evil; hate is a form of resistance to all that is true, good and beautiful. If you are a promoter of the truth, of goodness and virtue, prepare for persecution. We shall not back down because some people think we have no right to express our faith. They are not us; we are not them. We have an encounter which has transformed us from a life of sin to a life of freedom and grace. We are witnesses to the truth about Jesus, and we will make it known to the whole world as He commanded us: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptised will be saved”(Mark 16:15).


How will you express your priesthood today? Will you turn away from using your gifts for service, or will you serve selflessly? Will open condemnation or secret scheming discourage you or fuel your motivation? Will betrayal from friends deter you or inspire you to keep doing good? The battle for your soul is won when you resolve to be like Christ, the Eternal High Priest.

JUDE-MARY OWOH



To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”

If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.



Prayer:

  1. Lord, thank you for the privilege of bearing Your image and your identity.

  2. I am sorry for the times I have played false to my heritage and identity. By your grace, I shall spread light and love, healing, freedom and peace to everyone by all that I do today and always, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

  3. Lord, strengthen me to be Your presence in the world.

  4. Let not flattery distract me nor intimidation scare me.

  5. Make my words sweet and consoling, my actions exemplary and thoughts Holy, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 
 
 

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