Despite 'human limits,' priests maintain unique role, Jerusalem patriarch says

(April 2, 2010) Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Archbishop Fouad Twal celebrated the Chrism Mass with his priests on Holy Thursday and reminded them that "in spite of human limits," their priesthood entitles them to offer themselves as a "living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God." "Without priesthood, redemption is not continued and not made present and efficient," he said in his homily. The patriarch noted that it was in the city of Jerusalem that Jesus founded the priesthood for the ministry of the new covenant.
"His complete obedience to his Father, expressed through the acceptance of death on the cross, was the unique sacrifice of the new covenant," Patriarch Twal said, adding the Jesus' priesthood was "manifested at the Last Supper, and accomplished on Calvary," just a few steps from where Mass was celebrated. He said the priests gave thanks for "the privilege to be and live in these holy places." Priests have been "asked and entitled" to repeat Jesus' gesture through offering bread and wine, he said. "The priests of the new covenant, vessels of clay, aware of their own weakness, are friends of Christ not his slaves," he said. Quoting from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians, the patriarch said priests were "the ministers of the new covenant who have been granted mercy and thus have been qualified to serve God and the flock, with love, not fear."
Commenting on the sexual abuse crisis that has emerged in Europe, Patriarch Twal noted that the church "deplores weaknesses, shortcomings and abuses of priests" and asks forgiveness for them. He said their "confession and humility" could provide a good example for all Catholics. "The acknowledgment of our own weaknesses - imperfections and limits, as the pontiff states -- is the first and best step for improving," he said. "The Lord's forgiveness and the flock's understanding support us and encourage us to be one with Christ, to be other Christs."