Homily - Ordination to the Priesthood of Deacon Noel Clarke

July 25th, 2006
Feast of St. James, Apostle

Readings:
Jeremiah 1:4-9
2 Corinthians 4:7-15
Luke 4:18-21

Beloved,

We gather on this joyful occasion within this rather melancholy week. As we do so our constant companion at worship, St. Paul, offers us some words of comfort.  He says:

“We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair, persecuted, but not abandoned, struck down but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body, the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be manifest in our body.” (II Cor. 4:8-11)

We gather this evening to give thanks to God for he has allowed us to lay hands on Noel Clarke and ordain him to the Order of Priests.  Noel is born of this land and so our business here tonight is a visible and concrete expression of building up the local church.

On this occasion young Deacon Noel – soon to be priest – has invited us to reflect with him on the call of the Prophet Jeremiah.  It contains those unforgettable words:

The Word of the Lord came to me thus:  “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.  Before you were born, I dedicated you.” (Jer. 1:4-5)

And so Noel, known and dedicated by God, as you make this huge step in the process of your call, your vocation, we remind you of a few words drawn from the Rite of Ordination of a Priest.  It addresses itself generally to all of us at first.

Our brother has seriously considered this step and is now to be ordained to priesthood in the presbyteral order.  He is to serve Christ the Teacher, Priest, and Shepherd in his ministry which is to make his own body, the Church, grow into the people of God, a holy temple.

Then addressing itself directly to the one to be ordained, it says:

My son, you are now to be advanced to the order of the presbyterate.  You must apply your energies to the duty of teaching in the name of Christ, the chief Teacher.  Share with all mankind the word of God you have received with joy.  Meditate on the law of God, believe what you read, teach what you believe, and put into practice what you teach.

Then expanding on the point even more the Rite says:

Let the doctrine you teach be true nourishment for the people of God.  Let the example of your life attract the followers of Christ, so that by word and action you may build up the house which is God’s Church.

And then…

Finally, conscious of sharing in the work of Christ, the Head and Shepherd of the Church, and united with the bishop and subject to him, seek to bring the faithful together into a unified family and to lead them effectively, through Christ and in the Holy Spirit, to God the Father.  Always remember the example of the Good Shepherd who came not to be served but to serve, and seek out and rescue those who were lost.

You will notice that the image of the shepherd appears more than once in those instructions.  The image of the shepherd evokes security and even comfort.

The shepherd is the one who cares for the sheep.  The shepherd provides for the sheep and guides them to lush pastures and protects them from any danger.  Indeed one of the most comforting pieces of Holy Scripture is Psalm 23 which declares, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” 

Now it does not take a great effort to remember that just this past Sunday, our Prophet Jeremiah had something to say about shepherds, especially bad shepherds.  “Woe to the shepherds who mislead and scatter the flock of my pasture,” says the Lord.  You have scattered my sheep.  You have driven them away.  You have not cared for them.” (Jer.23:1ff)

Deacon Noel, these words should be an apt reminder to you at your priestly ordination.  You are being ordained not to privilege but to service.  Service is the essence of priestly ministry.  It is supported by daily prayer, acts of charity and constant hearing, sharing and living the Sacred Scripture.

Service is the essence of priestly ministry.  Remember that your model is Christ, the Good Shepherd who came not to be served but to serve and indeed to give his life in service of us all.

Your priestly ministry will afford you many opportunities to do good.  As a priest seek always and only to do good.

Remember that your vocation is a gift given to you, but not just to you – to the whole church.  We will rejoice with you in all your joys.  We will suffer with you in pain.

The gift of your vocation is a gift given in an earthen vessel – a limited and fragile earthen vessel.  And this is for a reason.  It is to let you know that of your own will and power you cannot succeed.  The necessary power comes from God.  It is not who you are but what you represent that is important. Realizing who and what you represent should leave you both humbled and energized at once.

So you are called to do your part in the work of Christ the Priest with genuine joy and love.  You are to attend to the concerns of Christ before your own.  Yes, that is what your presence here in our midst is declaring to us.