Christ instituted the ministerial priesthood through the words now inscribed within the consecratory formula: “Do this in memory of me”.

These words are pregnant with meaning and responsibility. The priest is the man of the Eucharist not so much because he merely celebrates it as the head of the Christian community but even more so because he is called to be a living Eucharist among the people he serves.

In one of the notable texts which precisely highlights this lofty calling inherent in the ministerial priesthood, Saint Gregory the Great gives an outstanding outline of the priestly identity. “The Pastor must be pure in thought, exemplary in his actions, discreet in his silence and useful in his words. He should be close to all in his compassion and, above all, dedicated to contemplation. He should be the humble ally of all who do good. In justice, he should be inflexibly opposed to the vice of sinners. He should neither neglect the interior life through exterior preoccupations nor omit provision of exterior needs through solicitude for interior good” (Regula pastoralis, II, 1).

What Saint Gregory the Great said in his Regula Pastoralis, was confirmed centuries later by Pope John Paul II in his Apostolic Constitution Sacrae disciplinae leges. “While it is true that God can accomplish the work of salvation through unworthy ministers, God nevertheless, ordinarily prefers to manifest his greatness through those who are more docile to the promptings and direction of the Holy Spirit, so much so that they can say of the apostolate, thanks to their own intimate union with Christ and holiness of life: ‘it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me'." (Gal 2, 20)

The heartfelt Petrine exhortation to the presbyters of the early Church is still valid today for us priests. “Tend the flock of God that is your charge, not by constraint but willingly, not for shameful gain but eagerly, not as domineering over those in your charge but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd is manifested you will obtain the unfading crown of glory” (1 Pt 5, 2-4). To date this text still stimulates reflection, admonition and encouragement for us as sacred ministers.

We need to ask ourselves if we priests are tending God’s flock willingly or by constraint. If we are serving God’s people in order that we shall be compensated in any way for what we do or because we are eager to let Jesus the Good Shepherd lead his people through our ministry. And, most importantly, if we are humble enough in the manner we deal with others in our priestly vocation or have we covertly or openly embraced a dominating way of living our calling.

Whatever our responses, let us not forget that during the last supper which he shared with his disciples and in which he instituted the sacraments of the Eucharist and the Holy Orders, Jesus did a very humiliating act which Saint John could not help but describe in great detail: “Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper, laid aside his garments, and girded himself with a towel. Then he poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which he was girded” (Jn 13, 3-5). Peter was so shocked that he protested blatantly: “You shall never wash my feet” (Jn 13, 8). Jesus had to correct him: “If I do not wash you, you have no part in me.” (Jn 13, 8). Humility led Peter to accept the loving shepherding of Jesus.

Thus, humility is eucharistic inasmuch as the Eucharist is the sacrament of Jesus’ humble service for us. If this is so the priest, by definition, is the one who humbles himself by laying aside all that is his and girding Jesus’ towel starts serving the brethren. Thanks to this courageous act he accomplishes Jesus’ word: “Whoever humbles himself like this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 18, 4). “For the Son of man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mk 10, 45).

Dear people of God pray for us priests to be docile and humble to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. In this way we can thoroughly live what we daily celebrate on the altars of the world: “Do this in memory of me”.

Fr Mario Attard OFM Cap

San Gwann