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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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)

8. Pope St. Leo the Great (390-461)
Bishop of Rome
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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

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