With the Mass of the Lord’s Supper we enter the Easter triduum. Traditionally it is a special day for priests, as it is considered the inauguration of the ordained ministry. Vatican II emphasized that everyone who is baptized shares in the offices of priest, prophet, and king, so today is a good time to reflect on how we can exercise these offices or ministries.
The Society of the Sacred Heart adopts a contemplative approach to the world, and this is a way of exercising our priesthood. When we gaze with love upon the world, and offer our prayers of intercession for others and for the world, we act as link people. Our God-consciousness can help others to be aware of God’s on-going action in the world.
Being prophetic is not about predicting the future. We are prophetic when we speak God’s word in public. If our hearts are in union with the Heart of God, then our words and actions will proclaim God to others. When we give account of the Easter hope that is within us – even as we journey through the crucifixion and the time of the empty tomb – we are exercising the office of prophet.
The role of the king in Biblical times was to govern and to lead the people to God. We are exercising our kingly office when we exercise governance or leadership roles in a way that orders the world to God’s will. Then we will help others to find their part in the mission of God in which we are all invited to participate.
May the Easter season renew your joy in the Lord, and invite you more deeply into Jesus’ mission as priest, prophet and king.
Sandie Cornish
Province Director of Mission
Lovely, Sandie, and thank you. Amen!