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Service
[1] We Stated In The Previous Chapters How Priests Are Called, Selected And Anointed By God
We have shown that the priesthood is for an elect group, for specific and unique work.
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We also said that the men of the priesthood are called angels, ambassadors, vicars, shepherds, fathers and rulers. They also enjoyed sharing some of Christ’s designations. We also stated that God entrusted them to head His flock, to rule and to absolve. He made them blessed and a source of blessings.
This lead some to feel jealous on God’s behalf.
This is why, in this chapter, we will concentrate on the priesthood’s role as a servants.
They are servants, even if they are vicars, ambassadors. They are servants of the Word, servants of the altar, servants of the reconciliation, servants of Spiritual matters, servants of holiness and servants of the Sacraments.
[2] We Call Them Servants So that they may Adorn Themselves With The Spirit Of Humility.
We are also hoping to appease those who seem to be zealous for God.
[3] Here We See Saint Paul In The First Epistle To The Corinthians Emphasises The Theme Of Service
(1 Cor 3:4-6) For when one says, "I am of Paul," and another, "I am of Apollos," are you not carnal? {5} Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? {6} I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.
Saint Paul saw himself as a mere servant, and his apostolic work as service.
When Saint Paul needed Saint Mark’s help he said:
(2 Tim 4:11) Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry.
[4] Judas Iscariot Was One Of The Apostles whose work was Described As Service
(Acts 1:17) "for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry."
(Acts 1:25) "to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place."
[5] Hence Our Fathers The Apostles Were The Servants Of The New Testament
(2 Cor 3:6) who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
(2 Cor 3:8-9) how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? {9} For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory.
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