Reformation Tuesday: priesthood of all believers, part 2

I thought we might better stick with this subject for two days with the hope that we will be able to bring it to some kind of conclusion.

If Luther's thoughts about the sacraments led to pastors replacing priests, the why would Luther develop an idea of a priesthood who is not ordained, is not presiding at Communion or baptizing?  How could Luther call all believers 'priests'?

It begins in baptism (as almost all things do with Luther).  In baptism, every believer begins a new life which is formed and found in the risen Lord Jesus.  We live because He lives; our lives are now transformed by His life.  This baptismal calling is a lifelong journey of faith, not just the increase of personal faith, but also the living out of the Divine Plan through word and deed.

Remember how in your baptism and confirmation promises were made to live among God's faithful people, to be present at communion and study scripture, to practice prayer and almsgiving.......and to work for peace and justice for all people throughout the world?   These promises define what a baptismal life looks like (some days we do better, some days worse).

We are called into a life of faith which is manifest in both word and deed.  We are called to be 'little Christs' to one another: to care for others as Christ cares for us; to forgive others as Christ forgives us; to welcome others as Christ welcomes us. So in each of these actions, we are to be the face of Jesus to others.  We are to be the conduit for the presence of the Holy Jesus in those moments with those people.  When we do so, we function as priests.

Luther was not elevating another class of people, but reminding and reiterating the response that is expected of a person who calls on the name of the Lord for salvation.  Baptized persons are expected to live holy lives, to be the presence of the holy in this world and to bring the word of salvation through Jesus to others.  These tasks belong to all of us.

We can be the conduits of God's presence in actions as simple as a hosting a meal, or caring for a neighbor or visiting the sick.  As important as the sacraments of baptism and holy communion are for our continued spiritual strength and growth, these other actions are likewise sacred moments when the love of Jesus flows through us to those around us.

Luther's priesthood of all believers does not eliminate the role and function of persons set aside specifically for ministry.  Pastors have dedicated their lives to learning, teaching, proclaiming and bringing the Word of Love in Jesus to all, and to equipping their flock to do this same work in the world.  It is a joy and wonder to live out our baptism in this way.

However, in the middle of the night, or in the ER, or even when you want your child to begin the baptismal life, there are pastors (and priests) standing by, ready to remind you of God's saving word of grace.....and to remind you that God's word of grace is for you.