Lecture 13: Priesthood of Baptized Faithful Dr. Ann T. Orlando

Outline Baptism as the ‘ordination’ of Christian faithful What is the sacrifice offered by baptized after the time of martyrdom New Testament basis Heb 12-13 1 Peter 2:5-9 Rom 12 Pope St. Leo the Great Augustine St. Peter Chrysologus

Tertullian on the Oil of Baptism Oil was an anointing into the royal priesthood of Jesus Christ This is the ‘ordination’ of the faithful Tertullian, On Baptism After that we come up from the washing and are anointed with the blessed unction, following that ancient practice by which, ever since Aaron was anointed by Moses, there was a custom of anointing them for priesthood with oil out of a horn. That is why the high priest is called a ‘christ’, from 'chrism' which is the Greek for 'anointing': and from this also our Lord obtained his title, though it had become a spiritual anointing, in that he was anointed with the Spirit by God the Father

1 Peter 2:5-9 (and Rev 1:5-6) Christians are called to be the living stones Spiritual House (Temple) Holy Priesthood Royal priesthood Augustine, CoG XX.10: Rather, just as we call all Christians ‘christs’ by virtue of their mystical anointing, so we call all Christians ‘priests’ (sacerdotes) because they are all members of the one priest. That is why the apostle Peter says that they are a holy people, a royal priesthood.

Problem After End of Martyrdom If priesthood of faithful baptized rooted in willingness to suffer martyrdom, How to understand that priesthood after the time of martyrdom In other words, what is the sacrifice in imitation of Jesus Augustine, Sermon 4, offers a way to be like the martyrs

Back to Hebrews Final chapters of Hebrews addresses the work of Christians 12:28 refers to the acceptable worship which Christians should offer The nature of that worship seems to be described in 13 See especially 13:15-16 and the description of a sacrifice of praise Theodoret expands on this at the end of his Commentary

Rom 12:1 Recall from Origen reading Leviticus (Homilies on Leviticus 1:5) in the light of Paul: The priest, and his sons, is in you the mind which is also its understanding in you who are rightly called a priest and “sons of a priest” for they are the only ones who perceive God and are capable of the knowledge of God. Therefore the divine Word desires that you offer your flesh to God in purity with reasonable understanding, as the Apostle says, A living offering holy and pleasing to God, your reasonable service. (Rom 12:1)

Pope St. Leo the Great (390-461) Bishop of Rome 440-461 Deeply engaged in Christological controversies Leo’s Tome as basis for Chalcedon Deeply engaged in politics attempt to settle warfare between Roman Empire and barbaric invasions Sermon 4 Written early in his pontificate, possibly in celebration of the anniversary Emphasis on priesthood of all Christians and their relation to ministerial priesthood

Peter Chrysologus (380-450) Archbishop of Ravenna 423-450 Ravenna was the de facto Byzantine capital of the Western Empire Strong supporter of Leo the Great against monophysites Died just before Council of Chalcedon Peter first referred to as ‘Chrysologus’ (golden word) in 8th C when a collection of his sermons was compiled Saint and doctor of the Church

Homiletic Style Much shorter than usual Patristic homilies Tended to focus on a few verses from the readings of the day But may be deceiving as there may have been 3 distinct homilies preached At the conclusion of each of the three readings Believed that homilies should be simple and direct We should speak to the populace in popular fashion. The parish ought to be addressed by ordinary speech. Matters necessary to all men should be spoken about as men in general speak. Natural language is dear to simple souls and sweet to the learned. Homily 43

Context of Sermons 108 and 109 Focus on Rom 12:1 in weeks after Easter Considers what does it mean to be a living sacrifice How is this related to priesthood of Christ Note references to martyrs Also note references to Cain

Assignments Augustine, Sermon 4 (especially the conclusion) Pope St Leo Great, Sermon 4 Peter Chrysologus, Sermons 108 and 109