Who should be ordained?

[AllanS]

[Adam Linton]

Not for debate, but just for information:

The problem with the word "priest" in the English language is that while it is actually derived from the Greek "presbyteros," i.e., "elder" (from which "presbyter" also comes, more directly), we also now use it to render the Greek "iereos," i.e., "priest" in the sense used in the Old Testament, which Christians have understood to be perfectly fulfilled in Jesus Christ [see Letter to the Hebrews] -- and in which all those in Christ share by virtue of their life in him (that is, the "royal priesthood," mentioned above).

Usages began to be somewhat merged by the Middle-Ages, to be sure, but in its first sense, "priest" simply designated the second of the three traditional orders of ordained service: episcopos (i.e., bishop), presbyteros, (i.e., presbyter/priest), and diaconos (i.e., deacon).

This is probably more than anyone wanted or needed, but here it is...

If I had my way, I'd probably restore the use of "presbyter," for clarity's sake.

Regards,

Adam L.

[AllanS]

Most helpful, Adam.

Now how do you define the roles of those presbyters? Does it really take a presbyter to properly consecrate the bread and wine of the Eucharist? Who says so? And why? On what grounds or evidence?

[Sven]

[Boromir]

[Sarah N.]

[Aleena]

[Sven]

[loeee]

[AllanS]

Pick a Cardinal. Any Cardinal.

Now who has exercised more influence over the Church? That Cardinal in his palace or Mother Theresa in her slum?

Did Theresa feel she needed to be a Cardinal too? Did she feel under-valued and discriminated against on the basis of gender? Did she secretly resent the Vatican's "glass ceiling" that stopped her achieving her full potential as a modern, liberated woman?

Why do so many people swallow this feminist swill? Theresa just got on with the job. That's why she's a Saint and the Cardinal (more than likely) is just another high-ranking bureaucrat.

[Kolbitar]

::What I can't swallow, however, is that "Priests" have any spiritual power or authority that is denied the rank and file. If someone told me their sins and I replied "Your sins are forgiven in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost", how would that be different to a Priest hearing that confession?

Hi Allan. First off, I'd like to be sure you're aware of the fact that Catholics believe confession is a Sacrament. In other words, we believe that when you are confessing, you're confessing to Christ who is there sacramentally through the Priest; when the Priest absolves you, Christ Himself is speaking through the vocal chords of that Priest.

This is the same with a sacrifice, with the sacrifice of the Mass. All of us, rank and file included, are participating in the sacrifice, in calling the presence of Jesus forward, in making His sacrifice present, and offering it to God. The Priest, in essence, is our servant...

Sorry, I'm in a hurry so forgive the somewhat sporadic, untidy response... I'm more throwing out bits for you to ponder and respond to...

P.S. Don't forget what Chesterton called the twin needs for formality and festivity, and what Lewis said about those of us not necessarily given to feel desires commonly found among the masses of "rank and file" -- the true religion makes the clear participate in the thick, and the thick participate in the clear :-)

[jo]

[Boromir]

[loeee]

[Kolbitar]