The ordained ministry is highly esteemed one. But it is the ministry of the cross. It has persecutions and tolerance. The resurrected Jesus has given this ministry to Peter and commanded, “Feed my Lambs… Take care of my sheep… Feed my Sheep” (Jn. 21:15-17). The promise that ‘the unfading crown will be presented to those honest ministers who shepherd the people at the appearance of the great shepherd is given. The shepherd is the watchman of the people. He is entrusted with the responsibility of blowing the horn and warns the people of the sword that is coming against them (Ez. 33:1-3). The shepherds are called by God to help people toward truth and justice and to become partners of the Kingdom of God when the society is exploited and people become prey to untruth, injustice, corruption and many other expressions of evil. The word of God gives the call to do model ministry happily on the basis of the word of God with truthfulness for the growth of the church. In the Old Testament the priest interceded for the people and offered offerings for their sake. The priest was praying for the people and stood on behalf of the people before God. Thus, they performed their ministry as a reconciling ministry. This should be related to the pastoral ministry of the church.
1. The Ordained Ministry of David: Symbol of cross (1 Sam. 22:12-23)
The threat and sufferings that David, the anointed one experienced were very hard. For the fear of death he escapes from Saul. Though the prophet Samuel had anointed him as the king on the one hand, he had to face very strong opposition from Saul. Thus, even in the Old Testament the ordained ministry is experienced as a symbol of cross.
2. In the ministry of St. Paul: Symbol of cross (Gal. 6:11-18)
Paul has suffered much for the sake of the gospel (1 Cor. 6:1-10). He has decided not to boast anything other than the cross (Gal. 6:14).
3. The call to the Ordained Ministry: In the New Testament (Jn. 21:15-19)
When Jesus saw the people confused and helpless like sheep without a shepherd, he uttered the words of compassion that the harvest is plenty but the laborers are less (Matt. 9:36-38). Usually in all services related to the ministry of God the above said verse is quoted. But the context that Jesus says these words is different. The main challenge here is that there is no shepherd to lead the people. Therefore, the ordained ministry belongs to the shepherds (Pastors). In the same way, the ministry that the resurrected Christ entrusted Peter is also a kind of Pastoral ministry (Jn. 21:15-19). “And when the chief shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away” (1 Pet. 5:4). John explains Jesus Christ as the good shepherd (Jn. 10). Among the letters of Paul, 1 and 2 Timothy and the letter to Titus are called by Theologians as ‘Pastoral Epistles’. Pastoral ministry is a kind of priestly ministry.
Collect: God our rock and refuge, we thank you for the gift of the Church. We praise you for the diverse ministries carried out through the Body of Christ, by the empowerment of God the Holy Spirit. We pray that the Ordained servants of yours be faithful and truthful to their commitment in their service, to the congregation. Let these your servant be watchful to live as Christ lived so that they can be a Good Shepherd to their flock in guiding and guarding in all their endeavours. Let their ministry bring Glory to your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen