We are a royal, and priestly people
Readings: 1st: Acts 6:1-7; Ps: 32; 2nd: 1 Pt 2:4-9; Gos: John 14:1-12
This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a Member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (Spiritans). He is currently working with the Spiritan International Group of Puerto Rico & Dominican Republic. He is the Administrator of Parroquia La Resurrección del Senor, Canovanas and the Chancellor of the Diocesis of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, cancilleriadfh@gmail.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.
On this 5th Sunday of Easter, the Church reminds us of who we are: “The chosen race, and the royal priesthood, who reign with Christ. Today, we have gathered to offer a spiritual sacrifice with Christ our Lord.
In our second reading, Peter reminds us of who we truly are: “A chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a people set apart to sing the praises of God.”
Here, Peter highlights our participation in the ministry of Christ, through the “common priest priesthood.” This is certainly, by virtue of our baptism (CCC1268). “Baptism configures us to become ‘priests.’”
In this pastoral letter, Peter highlights the efficacy of the “Sacraments of Christian Initiation on us as believers. Through this, he reminds us of our priestly, and royal heritage. He equally calls us to live it, in a manner that is proper.
In order words, if we remain close to Christ our chief priest, we shall live up to our expectation. That is, by offering acceptable sacrifice to God. In this way, we become acceptable to God, as his spiritual house.
In today’s gospel, Christ assures us: “Let not your hearts be troubled. There are many rooms in my father’s house. So that, where I am you may be too.” Through our baptism we are children of God. Hence, we are worthy of being Christ.
Unfortunately, many of us do not believe that there is a beautiful place prepared for us by Christ. This is also the reason many of us cannot maximize our priestly potential. As a priestly and royal people, we must assert ourselves positively. This, takes faith!
Therefore, let us ask God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to help us live as members of the royal priesthood. Also, during this this glorious of season of Easter, let us: “Rejoice in the Lord,” for what God has done for us. Alleluia, Alleluia!
Peace be with you all!
Maranatha!
frcanicenjoku 