WILL YOU?
While sharing time and space with a good friend this week, the subject of priestly vows came up. She asked me in a gentle way “During an ordination anniversary, do you ever go over them with those who were there that day, or revisit them with the community?” (paraphrasing). Such a great question from a thoughtful person. There is grace in remembering sacred moments.
Bishop: Is it your will that N. be ordained a priest?
The People respond in these or other words
People: It is.
Bishop: Will you uphold them in this ministry?
People: We will.
It was on All Saints day in 2019.
I remember you were there
You who have loved us into being
You who spoke a healing word
an encouraging word
You who, with a flash light and love
allowed a moment to be holy
You who helped us see through the rain
and even play in it
You who offered the last that you had
so that it could be multiplied for others
You who called and spoke life
You who were in body for only a little while longer
now we know you in a different way
You who maybe didn’t fully identify with what was happening
but you came to say “I love you”
You who saved our lives
but told us that you didn’t
You who called us to do this work
and laid your hands upon our heads
hands upon
hands
upon
hands
sharing a confidence and peace
that has kept us through it all
You who vowed to uphold and hold up
even when our knees were shaking
and our hearts ached
by old myths and lies…
You have kept your vow beyond imagination
May we by grace and constancy always keep ours
By grace and constancy.
Here are the priestly vows:
Bishop: My brother and sister, do you believe that you are truly called by God
and his Church to this priesthood?
Answer: I believe I am so called.
Bishop: Do you now in the presence of the Church commit
yourself to this trust and responsibility?
Answer: I do.
Bishop: Will you respect and be guided by the pastoral
direction and leadership of your bishop?
Answer: I will.
Bishop: Will you be diligent in the reading and study of the
Holy Scriptures, and in seeking the knowledge of
such things as may make you a stronger and more
able minister of Christ?
Answer: I will.
Bishop: Will you endeavor so to minister the Word of God
and the sacraments of the New Covenant, that the
reconciling love of Christ may be known and
received?
Answer: I will.
Bishop: Will you undertake to be a faithful pastor to all
whom you are called to serve, laboring together
with them and with your fellow ministers to build
up the family of God?
Answer: I will.
Bishop: Will you do your best to pattern your life [and that
of your family, or household, or community] in
accordance with the teachings of Christ, so that you
may be a wholesome example to your people?
Answer: I will.
Bishop: Will you persevere in prayer, both in public and in
private, asking God's grace, both for yourself and for
others, offering all your labors to God, through the
mediation of Jesus Christ, and in the sanctification
of the Holy Spirit?
Answer: I will.
Bishop: May the Lord who has given you the will to do these
things give you the grace and power to perform them.
Answer: Amen.