Priesthood Ordination: "It's not about you..."

Yesterday at 10 a.m., two of my brother seminarians, Michael Drevitch and Joe Mosley, were ordained to serve the People of God in the Diocese of Scranton as priests. This exciting and grace-filled weekend included many powerful moments, words, and gestures.

For me, the most powerful words of exhortation came from the prayer vigil on Friday, the night before the priestly ordinations. Msgr. David Bohr, the diocesan secretary for clergy formation, offered words of reflection to those gathered at the evening prayer held in the chapel at the diocesan pastoral center.

The Laying on of Hands during the Rite of Ordination

Msgr. Bohr ended by reminding all of us, especially Joe and Michael, that our task is not to bring Jesus Christ to the world: "Jesus is already present in our world - through the Incarnation. In fact, Jesus, who is the Word of God, has been present since the very beginning. So we do not need to bring him; he is already present. Instead, our task is to point out where Jesus is, to lead others to discover the presence of Christ in their lives."

Among the many other important and powerful words spoken was the homily given by Bishop Bambera at Saturday's ordination liturgy. Two particular lines stood out to me as so vital and important for all Christians, especially for those preparing for ministry. The bishop began his homily by recounting the celebration of his own twenty-fifth anniversary of priesthood held several years ago. Amidst all the planning of liturgies and parties, a wise priest reminded then-Father Bambera: "Remember, Joe, it's not about you...this must all be about Jesus Christ!"

Jesus Christ: the Word of God

The life, mission, and example of Jesus Christ must be at the center of all ministry, both lay and ordained. All who minister in the name of Jesus are to be compassionate, loving, and filled with that same forgiveness and mercy that marked the ministry of Christ. The bishop ended his ordination homily by reminding Michael and Joe that in all they do, particularly in their sacramental ministry of reconciliation, they are to be abundantly merciful like Christ.

The bishop quoted Pope Francis to make this point: "Never tire of being merciful! Have the ability to forgive as the Lord had! And if you have any scruples about being too 'forgiving,' go pray before the tabernacle and say, "Lord, pardon me if I have forgiven too much, but it is you who have set for me the example!"