“Taken from among men and made their representative” (Heb 5:1)

Stanisław NAGY

Abstract

The present article focuses on the questions of ministerial priesthood as it is understood in Catholic theology, in particular on the relation between ministerial priesthood and the priesthood of Christ, the latter rooted in the mystery of Incarnation and accomplished through the work of Redemption. The priest is “taken from among men” and his task is to make Christ’s work of redemption accessible to men. He is the one to whom God has entrusted his goods so that he may distribute them among those for whom they have been intended. It is through the mediation of the priest that the redemptive sacrifi ce of Christ, accomplished at the particular historical moment, is made forever present in the history of mankind, regardless of the limitations of time and space. Thus priestly ministry is twofold: serving both God and men. It serves God since it protects divine goods and admi-nisters them according to God’s will. It serves men, since the priest does not keep divine goods for himself, but gives them to others. Such is the meaning of priestly ministry. However, the human element in this ministry is susceptible to weakness and limitations, of which the Church has always been painfully aware.

                                                                                                          Summarized by Mirosława Chuda

                                                                                                          Translated by Dorota Chabrajska

The present article was originally published in Ethos 10(1997) No. 1-2(38-39), 23-31. For copyright terms and conditions contact Editors of quarterly Ethos, The John Paul II Institute, Faculty of Philosophy, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Al. Racławickie 14, 20-950 Lublin, Poland.