Ordination of a Priest – The Examination part 3

Bishop Eric Menees   We continue today in our look at the Ordination of a Priest and specifically the examination of the candidate. I’ve stated that the examination can be divided into three parts: A) The Call from God - Which we looked at last week.  B) Scripture & Doctrine - Which we will look at today and; C) Manner of Life - Which we will examine next week.    Today we look at the third part – Manner of life.

The first question deals with the spiritual life of the candidate. Recognizing that we, all Christians, need to drink deeply from the well of Living Water. The candidate is asked to make prayer, reading and study of God’s Word a priority in our lives and by doing so we are to turn from the distractions of the world and the flesh.   Bishop Will you be diligent in prayer, and in the reading of Holy Scripture, and in such study as may further the knowledge of the same, laying aside all distractions of the world and the flesh? Answer I will, the Lord being my helper.

The second question deals with the intentional formation of our lives after the doctrine of Christ as the Church has received them. We do this not simply for ourselves but to set an example for those in our care.   Bishop Will you be diligent to frame and fashion your own life [and the life of your family], according to the doctrine of Christ, and to make yourself [and them, as much as you are able], a wholesome example and pattern to the flock of Christ? Answer I will, the Lord being my helper.

The third question deals with the outward expression of our interior life seeking to reflect the same joy, grace and peace in our exterior life and in our relationships.   Bishop Will you maintain and set forward, as much as you are able, quietness, peace, and love among all Christian people, and especially among those who are or shall be committed to your charge? Answer I will, the Lord being my helper.

The fourth question is one requiring submission and obedience. St. Paul points out the importance of our “submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21) Because we are an ordered faith we all, every Christian, lives and serve under authority ultimately of Christ, the apostles, and their successors as demonstrated in Scripture and Tradition. Bishop Will you reverently obey your Bishop and other chief Ministers who, according to the Canons of the Church, may have charge and authority over you, following with a glad mind and a good will their godly admonitions, and submitting yourself to their godly judgments? Answer I will, the Lord being my helper.

At the conclusion of the examination, the bishop offers this prayer for God to assist the candidate in the fulfillment of their pledge to live out their call from God to serve Him as a priest in Christ’s one, holy catholic and apostolic church.   The Bishop prays  Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who has given you a good will to do all these things, grant you also the strength and power to perform them, accomplishing in you the good work which he has begun, that you may be found perfect and without reproach on the last day; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   I pray you all a very blessed week!   Bishop Menees