A Faithful Priest

This week saw more tragic news on the world stage, with the death of a priest in Normandy. It was another difficult reminder of the brokenness of the world, and another reason to pray “your kingdom come” to our loving, just and true king.

Reading a little bit about the priest who was murdered, Father Jacques Hamel, I was blessed and encouraged by his obvious faithfulness. This description stood out in particular: “A good priest…who did his job to the very end.”

We are all called to be priests. Part of following Jesus means stepping in to mediate the blessing of God to others, just as a priest is called to do. As we follow Jesus, himself the “high priest,” we are invited into the work of priesting—of serving others and inviting them into the presence of God. We do so through our words and actions, in our homes, neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, on our commutes and when we grab coffee. Father Hamel was a faithful priest. He did his job to the very end; he died while leading others into the presence of God.

We all, whether ordained or not, share in that same work, and my prayer is that we all would know this high calling for ourselves and complete its duties with the same faith and long-endurance, following after our High Priest. What an honor and privilege!

If you’re interested in reading more about your priestly calling, check out this article from Christianity Today. 

In Christ,
Peter+