26th Sunday of Year B September 27,2009
The Call To Ministry
In the early Church, many different ministries were exercised by the people. There were teachers,
administrators, healers, leaders, carers, as well as bishops, priests and deacons.
All of the ministries had one important and common element. A person was called from within the
community to serve. Those called to service were responsible and accountable to their community. Over
the centuries things changed. The exercise of ministry lost some of its rich foundations.
In response, the Second Vatican Council began to reflect more deeply on ministry. The hope was to
reclaim some early traditions and therefore broaden the understanding and exercise of ministry.
Some wonderful things resulted. Faithful people have been encouraged to participate more fully in the
ministry and life of the Church. Anne co-ordinates the RCIA team, Jack visits many of the nursing
homes and sick people, Betty works tirelessly for the Catholic Women's League, with a special ministry
to the bereaved. Andy as a young adult is part of the parish youth outreach team. Edna is the pastoral
leader in her community. Phillip and Jennifer support the engaged and newlywed couples. John is a
priest committed to breaking open God's word for the people in his care.
In the future, life and ministry in our parishes and faith communities will face further dramatic changes.
Many places, especially rural and remote areas, are already facing significant challenges which gives rise
to many complex questions and issues.
For example, should lay ministry be widened? Should priests be allowed to marry? Should we seek
more overseas priests for help? How do we prepare people who may not have Mass every week? How
do we ensure people receive pastoral care and faith formation? Such issues cannot be resolved here.
However, we just can't ignore them because they are challenging or difficult. The readings today speak
of ministry, who exercises it, and how it is exercised.
The first reading outlines two important foundations for ministry - selection by God and confirmation by
the community. One was called to a ministry; while the ministry was always exercised within and for the
community.
In the gospel, Jesus challenges any self-serving understanding of ministry. Commitment to the service of
others in his name is the key element. The readings give us some helpful insights. The call to ministry
comes from God. The community plays an important role, but the Spirit cannot be silenced or controlled
.
The early Church was challenged to be faithful to the tradition it had received, while, at the same time,
to be open to new God-inspired ways to meet the needs of the community. As we are united in
adoration of the Holy Spirit and in the following of Christ, the Church must ask, what is being asked of
us today?
David J Hore CSsR
© Redemptorists 2009
**********************************************
The Call To Ministry
In the early Church, many different ministries were exercised by the people. There were teachers,
administrators, healers, leaders, carers, as well as bishops, priests and deacons.
All of the ministries had one important and common element. A person was called from within the
community to serve. Those called to service were responsible and accountable to their community. Over
the centuries things changed. The exercise of ministry lost some of its rich foundations.
In response, the Second Vatican Council began to reflect more deeply on ministry. The hope was to
reclaim some early traditions and therefore broaden the understanding and exercise of ministry.
Some wonderful things resulted. Faithful people have been encouraged to participate more fully in the
ministry and life of the Church. Anne co-ordinates the RCIA team, Jack visits many of the nursing
homes and sick people, Betty works tirelessly for the Catholic Women's League, with a special ministry
to the bereaved. Andy as a young adult is part of the parish youth outreach team. Edna is the pastoral
leader in her community. Phillip and Jennifer support the engaged and newlywed couples. John is a
priest committed to breaking open God's word for the people in his care.
In the future, life and ministry in our parishes and faith communities will face further dramatic changes.
Many places, especially rural and remote areas, are already facing significant challenges which gives rise
to many complex questions and issues.
For example, should lay ministry be widened? Should priests be allowed to marry? Should we seek
more overseas priests for help? How do we prepare people who may not have Mass every week? How
do we ensure people receive pastoral care and faith formation? Such issues cannot be resolved here.
However, we just can't ignore them because they are challenging or difficult. The readings today speak
of ministry, who exercises it, and how it is exercised.
The first reading outlines two important foundations for ministry - selection by God and confirmation by
the community. One was called to a ministry; while the ministry was always exercised within and for the
community.
In the gospel, Jesus challenges any self-serving understanding of ministry. Commitment to the service of
others in his name is the key element. The readings give us some helpful insights. The call to ministry
comes from God. The community plays an important role, but the Spirit cannot be silenced or controlled
.
The early Church was challenged to be faithful to the tradition it had received, while, at the same time,
to be open to new God-inspired ways to meet the needs of the community. As we are united in
adoration of the Holy Spirit and in the following of Christ, the Church must ask, what is being asked of
us today?
David J Hore CSsR
© Redemptorists 2009
**********************************************
