Ordination’s Homily (June 28, 2012) - Cardinal J.B Pham Minh Man

Ordination’s Homily at the Cathedral of Saigon

June 28, 2012

Dear brothers and sisters,

For those who  are here today and for   the priesthood candidates,  we need to be aware of the meaning  of  ordination. What is priesthood?  The answer is to follow Jesus to lead God’s flock to Christ’s new life of resurrection in love and peace.  The Word of God today teaches us about the journey of a disciple of Jesus to lead His flock.

The Gospel according to Luke (22, 24-30) gives us this lesson: though we decide to follow Jesus, the disciples still live the old way of life, with greed, hatred and delusion. Therefore, Jesus taught his disciples to unite with him, and follow him closely in their pastoral work so that they can bring light of the Gospel, the light of truth and love of Jesus’ life to their daily lives.

The Word of God in the Book of Numbers (11, 11-12. 14-17. 24-25) gives us a different lesson: Although Moses was appointed to do God’s mission with the help of the Holy Spirit, Moses still felt that his ministry to lead God's people was beyond his ability. The Lord always accompanied Moses, and helped him in distress.  God taught him to share responsibilities for his colleagues.  It is a way to broaden Moses’ narrow heart and keep him away from dictatorship in his ministry of leadership.

In Rm 12, 4-8, St. Paul presents to us another pastoral experience: pastoral work today is a share in responsibility. Modern language calls it administration. The management of an organization requires three key things:

 - A common goal, a common implementation program and a joint implementation guideline;

- A reasonable coordination in harmony, to fulfill common goals;

- a periodic feedback, to adjust the errors, improve the management so that people can live in  love and peace.

Our dear priesthood candidates,

You are about to be anointed and consecrated to receive abundant graces of the Holy Spirit. So, be aware that the entire gift bestowed on you today, as well as other gifts, is the seed. It bears fruit only when you care for, nurture, water, and protect by fervent prayer, by tireless endeavor to take care the flock of God and improve the administration of the lambs of God.  When you do those every day, you collaborate with the Holy Spirit who renews your life to lead people to God’s new life.

         

Please pray for one another, especially for the new priests.

May Our Loving Lord always bless you and the new priests.

 

Cardinal John Baptist Pham Minh Man

(Translator: BD)