How do the readings from Sunday’s liturgy link to the celebration of Priesthood Sunday?
This Sunday we celebrate Priesthood Sunday, an opportunity to thank God for the service and ministry of many great and wonderful priests who help us deepen our relationship to God and others. The Lectionary readings for this Sunday offer significant insights into the ministry of priesthood. The first reading from Isaiah speaks of God’s servant who willingly suffers so that others might be brought closer to their God. Jesus modeled this servant ministry and calls all to that same ministry. Priests take on this ministry as a lifetime commitment.
The second reading from Hebrews calls all ministers, especially priests, to be people who, like Jesus, can sympathize with the weakness of others. Such priests know how to connect with people. This connection enables priests to offer guidance and deepen the connection to God and others.
In the Gospel reading from Mark, Jesus emphasizes that anyone willing to follow him must be ready and willing to suffer for the sake of others. Priesthood involves a lifelong willingness to imitate Jesus. Priests are willing to pay the price. Today, take time to thank priests who give of themselves completely for the sake of others.
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