“Where in the Bible does Jesus ordain the Apostles as priests?” our non-Catholic Christian friends may ask. In addition to Jesus’ command to the apostles at the Last Supper in Matthew, Mark, and Luke to “Do this in remembrance of me,” John records Jesus ordaining the apostles for priestly service in today’s gospel (Jn 17:11b-19… the gospel optionally transferred from the 7th Sunday of Easter—Ascension). Many biblical scholars submit that, consistent with John’s deep theological insight, John’s recording of Jesus at the Last Supper in the 17th chapter of his gospel mirrors the three-part structure of the institution of the Day of Atonement ritual in Leviticus chapter 16:
- the glorification of God in John 17:1-5, which corresponds to Yahweh’s glorification on the mercy seat in Lev 16:2;
- the consecration of the apostles in 17:11-19 (today’s gospel), which corresponds to the whole burnt offering for Aaron the high priest and his priest-sons in Lev 16:3-14; and
- Jesus’ prayer for all who believe in him 17:20-26, which corresponds to the sin offering for all the people in Lev 16:15-16.
The flow and structure of John 17:11–19 culminates in Jesus imploring the Father to sanctify (v.17) and consecrate (v.19) the apostles in truth so as to share in the priesthood of Jesus Christ (see Hebrews chapters 4–9)—both words coming from the Greek hagiazo (holy: divine setting apart by God for sacred use) where (in the Septuagint Greek Old Testament) Yahweh instructs Moses to consecrate (ordain) Aaron as a priest for sacrifice and worship, and to wear a gold signet inscribed with “Holy to the Lord” (Exodus 28:36; see also 28:41).
John places the priestly ordination of the apostles as the climax of the Last Supper, the Farewell Discourse, and the High Priestly Prayer (John chapters 14–17), simultaneously fulfilling three high Jewish liturgies: Passover, the Day of Atonement, and the priestly ordination of Aaron and his sons.
My July 1 transfer. For my last Associate Pastor bulletin letter that will appear in June, I will reflect with fond thanksgiving on the two years I’ve served as your associate pastor. For now, let me just say that I have been greatly blessed and honored to be with the many wonderful people and staff of St. Jane’s and Our Lady of the Chesapeake. You welcomed me with open arms and have been patient and loving and supportive toward me. They say that a priest’s heart stays with the people of his first priestly assignment, and that will certainly be true for me. For those who have asked or are wondering: No, I did not request to be transferred—I would have been happy serving here until I retire, as I’ve told Fr. Steve and other priests! It’s common in our archdiocese for associate pastors to be transferred after 2 or 3 years. I said yes when Archbishop Lori called me and asked me to serve the archdiocese and assist him in a unique way, and I am honored and greatly humbled to be given this opportunity. But I will miss you greatly! Please pray for me as I will continue keeping you in my prayers.
Peace in Christ,
Father Jim (Bors)
