The foundational role of the baptismal priesthood

Fifth Sunday of Easter – A – May 10, 2020

Although the term is never used in today’s first reading, it is traditionally seen as the Catholic origin of the diaconate. Lately, many theologians, committees, and leaders have been discussing the diaconate’s origins and its historical development in light of the church’s needs today.

However, one thing is often overshadowed by any discussion on ordination — that is, the foundational role of the baptismal priesthood, the order to which all the baptized belong. By our baptism, we are made “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of [God’s] own” (1 Pt 2:9).

By our baptism, we are ordered for a mission: to announce the praises of God, who called us out of darkness into light. That is, we are commissioned to preach the gospel by our words and our deeds. And by our baptism we “remain for ever a member of Christ who is Priest, Prophet, and King” (Rite of Baptism). That is why whoever believes in Christ has been given the authority to do his works and even “greater ones than these” (Jn 14:12).

As we continue to discern the Spirit’s movement in our church, let us never forget the dignity and responsibility already given to each of us by our baptism, a power not for ourselves but for the service of those most in need.