Why The Ministerial Priesthood Matters
Rev. Marcel Divine Emeka Okwara, CSsR
Homily on Holy Thursday: Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Church of St. Bridget of Minneapolis, MN
Thursday, April 2, 2026
I have mentioned a few times before that when someone is nearing the end of their life, friends and family should pay close attention to what they say or do. At that crucial moment, there is a heightened awareness of reality; some truths need to be shared, issues clarified, knowledge passed on, and important examples set. The conversation at this time allows the terminally ill person to express their true wishes and desires. Although Jesus was not terminally ill, his death was not caused by natural reasons; it was instead due to an exploration of violence and cruelty. Nevertheless, he had something to say and do before his Passion. The Gospels tell us that he gathered his closest friends, his apostles, for what is known as the Last Supper. During this event, Jesus does four things: First, he institutes the Sacrament of the Eucharist. Second, he washes his disciples' feet, which serves as a model of service and an example to serve one another, especially the neediest among us. Third, Jesus establishes the New Commandment: “love one another as I have loved you.” This involves selfless love, even in the face of trial and betrayal. Fourth, he institutes the ministerial priesthood.
I have delivered several sermons on the Eucharist. Some of the titles include: ‘The Eucharist is Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God’; ‘The Eucharist is not Something but Someone,’ etc. I have also preached many times on the significance of the Lord washing his disciples' feet and on Jesus’ call for his disciples to love one another. Today, I want to do something different. I want to preach on the priesthood. As we already know, one of the things that the Lord accomplished on the night before he died was the institution of the ministerial priesthood.
Why did Jesus establish the priesthood? Why is the priesthood ministry so important? Who is a priest?
- Jesus establishes the ministerial priesthood to perpetuate the celebration of the Eucharist. The priest is a fragile instrument that makes Christ truly present Body, Soul, and Divinity. Who is a priest?
- A priest is a celebrator. He celebrates the life of Jesus. He is a man who, although aware of his weaknesses and unworthiness, strives to follow in the footsteps of Christ joyfully. Mark the word “joyfully.” Although he knows his faults and struggles are real, he remains happy. I have often said that I am the happiest man on earth. This happiness is not caused by anything material or economic; it is rooted in Christ, whose message and teachings he carries through his words and example. He presents to others God’s call to a life of holiness.
- A priest is a preacher. Whenever I meet African Americans who are not Catholics, they usually call me a preacher. I used to correct them by saying, “I am a Catholic priest,” but after thinking it over, I realized that the description is accurate. Every Catholic priest is a preacher of God’s word. He primarily preaches to himself before he preaches to his congregation. He is to proclaim the truth of the Gospel and not let his own spiritual and moral struggles influence what he preaches. Preaching from a place of strength, not weakness, he presents the authentic teachings of the Church, not his personal opinions or anything tainted by secular culture. In one of my homiletic classes, Fr. William Cleary, CSsR, said, “Remember, it is not your word, but God’s word. And remember Christ is the Message, not you.” Through his preaching, the priest offers God’s people hope and challenges them not to accept spiritual mediocrity.
- A priest is a reconciler. He guides sinners back to Christ and His Church. Mindful of his own sins and need for God’s mercy, a priest provides God's mercy to those seeking it. He cares for the brokenhearted and reminds them of God's boundless love, mercy, and compassion. A priest is a compassionate listener who recognizes his own need for God. He offers others God’s forgiveness. As the ordained representative of the Church, he is authorized to forgive sins in the name of God and the Christian community. In my pastoral experience, I have met many who have felt the healing power of God’s love through confession. Unable to open up to anyone else, they are able, through the mystery of the priesthood, to reach out to Christ.
- A priest is a healer. Humanity is broken but not completely depraved. Living or dying is difficult. The pain involved in both is often very visible and utterly paralyzing. Often, the priest’s words and care are all that stand between suffering and the person. In the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, the priest prays with the community for the individual’s healing and peace. The priest is a familiar presence in hospitals, nursing homes, prisons—anywhere there is loneliness and pain. And when your earthly life is ending, I tell you, one person you truly want to see is a priest. If you can speak, he hears your confession and grants you absolution. If you can’t talk or are in a coma, he still prays for you, anoints you, and grants Apostolic Absolution.
- Finally, a priest is a fighter. He advocates for justice alongside God’s people. There is so much evil in the world caused by human actions—abortion, the dehumanization of poverty, the institutionalization of violence, the opium of consumerism, and the cancer of prejudice. All these threaten our world and our very existence. As Christians, we are called to fight oppression and evil with the Gospel of love. The priest, as a messenger of this Gospel, stands in solidarity with the people of God and often serves as a prophetic voice, urging society and the Church to get involved. He challenges the forces of apathy and indifference.
As we celebrate Holy Thursday, please remember to pray for all our priests. Also, pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood.
God bless you!
