You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek. (Ps. 110)
Both our first reading from Hebrews and the Responsorial Psalm of today’s liturgy refer to Melchizedek. Having sung a number of Ordination Masses at the Cathedral of St. John, I can’t read that line without hearing a melody in my head, because this is the psalm often used when priests are ordained to ministry in the Catholic Church. Melchizedek was a king and is the first individual given the title of “priest” in the bible.
When Father and I were talking about this reflection, we were both struck by how many members of our community have recently gone home to God. If you were at Mass these past couple of weekends, you heard a litany of familiar names remembered in the Universal Prayer – folks who have been long-time pillars of our church. In November each year, as we commemorate All Souls, we are very aware of those who have gone before us. However, in these bleak days of January, we don’t usually have reason to think about it until we experience the loss of a loved one. We are reassured that life is changed, not ended, but the sadness of loss can be palpable. So many members of our community are sharing this same journey of grief right now.
For the past several years around All Souls, we have hung banners in the church listing the names and dates of death of parishioners who have died in the past year. This year, I was struck by the fact that these banners contain reminders of more than a thousand people who have been part of this community, who have gone before us. Just these past two weeks have added more than a dozen to their ranks. What a powerful reminder of community – both our community of St. Mary Magdalene, and the community of saints!
Back to Melchizedek… rather than talk about history or the difference between ministerial priesthood (priests ordained by Holy Orders) and common priesthood (all the baptized – remember we are called to a sharing in the priesthood of Christ at our baptism), I am drawn to the concept of the “order” of Melchizedek. It’s that notion of succession, just as we profess apostolic succession.
Our Church is more than bricks and stone – it is made up of the living Body of Christ. So today, let us take a moment to prayerfully reflect on those who have gone before us, and those who continue to faithfully build the Kingdom of God. May the grieving be comforted, and may we gratefully recognize that great communion of saints – both the notorious and the not-so-famous – who celebrate that life is changed, not ended.
May you be blessed this day!
Mary Hrich
Director of Liturgy and Music, St. Mary Magdalene
