The Gift of the Priesthood: A Reflection on the Latin Mass and Traditional Catholic Values
The Abundant Gifts of the Lord
This is a night of just abundant gifts that our Lord gives. We have the image, of course, of our Lord Jesus Christ giving us the Blessed Sacrament, of giving us the great example of the washing of the feet, reminding us that this is an example that he gives to us, that each and every one of us must perform the same for our brother, and specifically to the priests.
The Ordination of the Apostles
He also ordains his 12 apostles, priests, yes, even Judas, according to tradition, even Judas received not just the Sacrament of the Eucharist, but he also received his ordination to priesthood this night, before he betrayed our Lord. We have the commandment that he gives to us. This last commandment I give you, that you love one another as I have loved you. Not enough that we are supposed to love one another as we wish to be loved, or as we love ourselves. But rather we are supposed to love each other as he loves us. And that is infinite. So the new commandment is also a gift.
The Gift of the Holy Eucharist and Priesthood
This night of gifts is unending. There are so many good and glorious things that he gave us. And of course, the greatest gift that he gives us is that of the Holy Eucharist. But St. Thomas points out that as perfect and wonderful as it is, and it is the source of all other sacraments and gifts that he gives to us, but also he gives us the gift of the priesthood, without which we would not have the Blessed Sacrament.
The Priesthood: Heart of the Church's Battle
The priesthood is going to be, seemingly very self-serving, the source and the point of this entire sermon. The priesthood is the whole focus of the fight that the Church wages each and every day. The priesthood was the focal point of the battle for the soul of the Church from the 1960s on. The soul of what it meant to be modernist. It was a fight that was sought out over the soul of the priesthood and the spirituality of the priesthood.
The Role of Priests in Salvation
It means that we need to be aware of the fact that the priest is the heart and soul of the battle and of the war, as well as the heart and soul of the Church itself, and of each and every one of our salvation. If we do not have priests, we don't get the sacraments. If we do not have priests, we don't hear the Word of God. If we do not have priests, we do not have all the other benefits that come to us through Holy Mother the Church.
Archbishop Lefebvre and the SSPX
This is the essence of why Archbishop Lefebvre founded the SSPX, the priesthood. Do this in memory of me. That commandment ordained 12 men to the priesthood, which has fed the entire world, the entire population of the world, and the population of heaven with grace since that moment.
The Essence of Catholicism
The mere fact that Christ commanded these 12 men not to simply enjoy the memories that Christ gave to them, and all the examples that he gave to them, and all the teachings that he gave to them, and all the graces that he wins for them, but he commanded them to take all of that treasure trove and to share it with everybody on this universe. That is the essence of what it means to be Catholic.
A Call for Holy Priests
We need priests. We need priests badly. But more importantly, we need holy priests. It's not enough just to populate the world with many, many, many priests. We had that. We had that in the 50s. We had an explosion of vocations in the 50s. And it was not enough to avoid the priesthood. We had problems that came just one decade later. It was not enough to avoid a crisis of faith that was unparalleled in the history of the church.
The Example of St. John Vianney
St. John Vianney is the patron saint of parish priests. And he is of course the most remarkable example of what it means to be a priestly soul. Apart from our Lord himself. This is why he has been given that title and that mission of protecting and helping parish priests.
The Transformation through Priesthood
Because that will transform us. That will make us into something that we are supposed to be. Which is living embodiments of our Lord Jesus Christ. It will come through the priesthood. But each and every one of us must act in union with the high priest himself. Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the homily emphasizes the critical role of the priesthood in the life of the Church and the salvation of souls. It is a reminder of the abundant gifts given by Christ at the Last Supper, including the Holy Eucharist and the commandment to love as He loves. The message calls for a greater appreciation of the priesthood and the need for holy priests who embody the example of Christ. Through prayer, sacrifice, and living out the teachings of the Church, the faithful can support the priesthood and strive for sanctification.
The homily calls for the faithful to embrace the priesthood's gifts, living out their faith with charity, devotion, and a commitment to the salvation of souls. The transformation of the world starts with living the priesthood themselves and supporting the mission of the Church in unity with Christ.