The Sacraments: Holy Orders

I must regrettably say that I know significantly less about Holy Orders than I do about the previous 4 sacraments. I myself have not received it along with the other two, Matrimony and Anointing of the Sick, and so I will most likely write significantly less on them (although, I technically have received the Anointing of the Sick before). Anyway, although I don't know nearly as much about Holy Orders, they are a beautiful sacrament nonetheless and certainly deserve recognition.

Where'd it come from?

The calling of the Twelve (Mark 3:13-19) is where the Orders originate, but it does share some similarities to the priesthood of the Old Testament. The most significant of these similarities (other than having the divine authority of offering sacrifice and the forgiveness of sins) is that the priests are chosen or called; the decision is not their own. The origins of the sacraments could also be considered various times when Christ hands on certain duties (Eucharist, Reconciliation, Baptism, etc) since Holy Orders are essentially the handing down of the authority of the Twelve to men who are called to fulfill those duties in some capacity (whether as Deacons, Priests, or Bishops).

What it does?

As I said in the above paragraph it confers the ability to bestow certain Sacraments. Deacons can perform 2 (Baptism and Matrimony), Priests or Presbyters can perform 5 (Baptism, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Matrimony, and Anointing of the Sick), and Bishops can bestow all 7 (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Holy Orders, Matrimony, and Anointing of the Sick). However, what is important to note is that in our Baptism we are all called to preach Christ crucified and are therefore all called to One, Universal Priesthood in Christ. These chosen men are simply called to live out exceptional roles of leadership within the greater Priesthood.

There are two things that are essential to the priesthood: sacrifice and being chosen. This is something that is often forgotten, perhaps because it is not always lived out. However, a priest is called to act In Persona Christi when administering the Sacraments and to live In Persona Christi sacrificing for his flock. Because of this, it is contrary to the calling to determine that one should be a priest because that is what they desire (i.e. married men and women). The priesthood is not about what the individual desires, but about listening to what God's will has called them to, which is not always what someone wants.

The priest is the light in the darkness (hence the collar); Christ's presence in the modern world. Holy Orders is what bestows this incredible vocation on these incredible men, and is therefore one of the most beautiful sacraments.

God Bless,