Ordination

This past Sunday I had the privilege of being ordained as a priest in the Anglican Coalition in Canada. It was a wonderful celebration and I am so thankful for the all the friends and family who were able to be there. It still feels somewhat surreal, but as I look back on the ordination service, I feel the weightiness of the responsibility I now have and at the same time the freedom that comes because I do not bear any of this alone. As the bishop and other priests layed their hands on my head, I could definitely feel the weightiness! But as I stood up I felt a lightness as I looked at those around me in support, and also felt the presence of the Spirit holding me up. As my good friend and mentor, Kathy King, reminded me in her sermon, I am not the chief shepherd - that job has already been taken. My role is to point others to Jesus, the Shepherd. I must focus on my relationship with Jesus and lead others to follow him as well.

This lesson was quickly tested as I learned on Sunday night that I would be officiating at a funeral later this week. One of my first reactions included a bit of fear - but, I have never done this before! What if I mess up something? I was reminded in prayer that this is an opportunity to look to the Chief Shepherd and point others to him. My competency or experience is not the issue.

The Scripture reading chosen for the funeral service is Matthew 11.25-30, which ends with the well known words: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

This is what one commentator said about these verses and what it means to follow Jesus:

"In the quest to learn from Jesus how to live God’s truth, it is critical to remember that Jesus’ disciples can also turn his yoke into an unbearable burden unless we consciously recognize that discipleship to Jesus is not essentially a religious obligation. Rather, ours is an intimate relationship with the One who calls, “Come to me” and “learn from me.” As complicated as life may become, discipleship is at heart simply walking with Jesus in the real world and having him teach us moment by moment how to live life his way."

As I embark on this new journey as a priest in Christ's church, I am reminded of his invitation to come and learn from him, to walk with him, and to lead others in the same. It is not about religious ceremonies or rules, but about an intimate relationship with a loving Shepherd.