THE
P RTAL
October 2011
Page 16
F a t h e r P e t e r ’s P a ge
One and Apostolic
“You can entertain doubts about the existence of God; but no Christian body
can survive for long if there are doubts about its Sacraments.” These words, used
perhaps rather flippantly some 20 years ago at the height of the Ordination of
Women debate, contain an important truth: one which we ignore or forget at our spiritual peril.
certainty removal of doubt
A vital fact,
common to all
Sacraments, is that
they are special acts
instituted by Christ
and are guarantees
of His Spiritual
presence
and
Grace. Irrespective
of the strengths,
failings or charisma
of the Minister who
enacts them, they
bring with them
the certainty that
they are truly God’s Acts because the person who
performs them is clearly known and seen to be acting
in Christ’s name and on behalf of the Church which
He founded. What did happen that
night was the removal of
doubt on these two vital
issues. And it is the ‘removal
of doubt’ which is imperative
for the Sacramental life of
the Church.
When I was ordained a Catholic priest – some 16
years ago – I remember espying a rather old frail
woman. Over the years, I got to know her and, without
I hope any offence, came to recognise that she was not
one of the world’s ‘intellectuals’: rather she was a very
holy and spiritual person.
If she had been asked what was happening that night,
I am sure she would have found it difficult to articulate
for the Bishop who presided made clear that nothing
of the past was being denied, and all that has happened
in my life before was being affirmed and being built
upon.
out of Communion
But what was clear and obvious to all, whatever I had
been or done previously or felt personally, was that my
preceding ministry had been always overshadowed by
two fundamental defects: My earlier ‘Orders’ were not
recognised by the majority of Christendom; and I had
belonged to a body, whatever its claims, which was out
of Communion with every Apostolic See in the world.
Don’t thank me;
Thank God
and His Church!
Last week I was called to the
local hospital. As I entered
the ward I immediately
recognised the frail old lady who had been present at
my Ordination some 16 years ago. She was now close
to death. As I Anointed her it was obvious that this
Sacrament brought her great comfort and relief. She
thanked me for what I had done.
‘No’, I replied, ‘it wasn’t me that has done anything:
It is Christ Himself who promises to be present
whenever the Sacraments take place”; adding, I hope
not too casually: “Don’t thank me; Thank God and His
Church!” By her smile and serenity it was clear she
believed this to be true.
‘Ordination’ is never for oneself
She knew that the Sacraments she had received were
those which Christ had entrusted to his Community,
the Church. She had the assurance that the priesthood
I exercised was clearly a part of the historic Apostolic
Church of Christ.
‘Ordination’ is never for oneself; it is for the sake of
the Community which we serve. The removal of ‘doubt’
and the affirmation of Apostolicity are precious and
necessary: We must not let our pride or stubbornness
stand in their way.
Father Peter