In the first few years of the Church’s existence, the very first pope of the Church while addressing the plan of salvation wrote to the people of God: “But you are a ‘chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9).  What I propose we reflect on this month is our role in being a “royal priesthood”.   

            What does this mean to spiritual lives and relationships with God?  A priest by definition is one who makes sacrifice and offering in reparation for sins.  The tradition of the Church clearly teaches that there is a sacrificial priesthood instituted by Jesus Christ that can be seen in the celebration of the Holy Mass. 

            However, while this priesthood of Holy Orders is essential and necessary, there is a very real and distinct priesthood of all the baptized, which is called the priesthood of the faithful.  While only the ordained can perform sacraments in the place of Jesus, all members of this priesthood of the faithful are able to address and petition God on the behalf of themselves and others.  God hears the prayers of all who call on Him, yet it has been revealed that the members of His Church do hold a special place in being able to intercede before Him.  This is an awesome power and a responsibility that should be reflected on in prayer. 

            In the visions at Fatima, Our Blessed Lady revealed that many souls go to hell simply because there is no one to pray for them.  We live in a time when the Church has greater numbers of the baptized than ever before; such spiritual neglect should not occur yet sadly it has and continues.  As members of this royal priesthood we should make it a point to pray not only for our needs and the forgiveness of our own sins, but also make it a regular practice to pray for the needs of others. Especially for the conversion of sinners. 

        Perhaps we should offer a decade of our daily rosary each day begging that with our Lady’s intercession, one more soul might be turned and brought into the Church.  Such a practice would, of course, also bring us closer to our Lord and serve for the salvation of our own souls as we strive to obey our Lord’s command to love one another.

In Christ,