By Father Jonathan Gibson, St Peter’s Catholic Church, NW Calgary

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that “Man is by nature and vocation a religious being. Coming from God, going toward God, man lives a fully human life only if he freely lives by his bond with God.” (CCC para 44)  As such, by virtue of our baptism, we inherit the three fold ministry of priest, prophet and king. 

The Wise Men testify to Jesus’ states of Priest, Prophet and King with their three gifts of frankincense, myrrh and gold.  Likewise Jesus’ friends:  Mary, Lazarus and Martha in turn represent the same. “The whole People of God participates in these three offices of Christ and bears the responsibilities for mission and service that flow from them.” (CCC 783) We in fact “remain members of Christ, Priest, Prophet and King, unto eternal life.” 

Part of living out this trifold ministry is offering God right worship in obedience to the first commandment (CCC 2135).  Evangelization is proper to the layperson’s prophetic mission in the ordinary circumstances of the world; (CCC 905) and particularly in the proclamation of the kerygma.  The spiritual and corporal works of mercy fall within the Kingly ministry (see CCC 2447) 

Father challenges us men to embody leadership in our parishes and in our families to the living out of this threefold ministry: Proclaim the Word of God; Live a Sacramental Life; and, Live a life of Charity. (Deus Caritas Est, 25)

How are you living out your Baptismal Vocation as Priest, Prophet and King?