Today is Jan. 29, Wednesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time.
We read at today’s Mass, “Every priest stands daily at his ministry, offering frequently those same sacrifices that can never take away sins. But this one offered one sacrifice for sins, and took his seat forever at the right hand of God; now he waits until his enemies are made his footstool” (Heb 10:11-13).
At first glance, the excerpt from the Letter to the Hebrews we read at Mass today may raise questions about the Catholic understanding of the priesthood. In fact, non-Catholics will often ask: “If Jesus Christ offered the one perfect sacrifice, why do Catholics still speak of priests who ‘offer’ Mass?” The Church answers clearly and unapologetically: Catholic priests neither add to nor replace Christ’s sacrifice.
Jesus Christ is the High Priest who, through his death and Resurrection, reconciled humanity to God once for all. No further sacrifice can surpass or improve upon Calvary. That’s the point the author of Hebrews is making. In former times, Israel’s priests offered — repeatedly — sacrifices in the Temple for the cleansing of sin. After the death and Resurrection of Jesus, there is no need for the sacrifices of the Old Law. They have been fulfilled in him.
Extending Christ’s power to the faithful
Yet, in his boundless mercy, Our Lord willed that the saving event of his Passion would be made present throughout the ages. This is why he entrusted the Church with the Eucharist, where the same sacrificial offering of Christ on the Cross is presented (not repeated) in a sacramental manner. The priest at the altar acts in persona Christi, that is, in the person of Christ, making present the one and eternal offering of Christ.
It may seem a bold claim for ordinary men to share in the High Priest’s ministry. Indeed, Catholic teaching underscores that a priest’s dignity flows only from Christ’s victory. Apart from Jesus, there would be no Mass, no Eucharist and no forgiveness of sins in the confessional. Every priest knows that at the altar, he is merely an instrument.
Thus, Hebrews 10:11-13 in no way negates the Catholic priesthood. Catholic priests, far from competing with the unique role of Christ, reflect and extend his power to the faithful.
Let us pray,
Almighty ever-living God, direct our actions according to your good pleasure, that in the name of your beloved Son we may abound in good works. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.