Catholicity

The Sacrament of Holy Orders

And Michas said:
Stay with me, and be unto me a father and a priest,
and I will give thee every year ten pieces of silver,
and a double suit of apparel, and thy victuals.
Judges 17, 10

Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ,
you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus
I became your father through the gospel.
1 Corinthians 4, 15

As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his
children, that ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
1 Thessalonians 2, 12

My Explications of the Patristic Texts

Clement of Rome (A.D. 96)
1st Epistle to the Corinthians, 44:1-2

“Our apostles also knew, through our Lord Jesus Christ, that there would be strife
on account of the office of the episcopate. For this reason, therefore, since
they had obtained a perfect foreknowledge of this, they appointed those
[ministers] already mentioned, and afterward gave instructions, that when these
should fall asleep, other approved men should succeed them in their ministry.”

The text reflects a perspective on the early Christian community’s understanding of clerical leadership and succession within the church. It emphasizes the awareness of conflict or strife surrounding the role of bishops (referred to as “the episcopate”) and highlights the apostles’ foresight.

The apostles recognized that disputes would arise regarding the leadership positions in the church. This acknowledgment suggests that the role of a bishop or overseer was not only significant but also contentious, likely due to their importance in guiding and sustaining the faith community.

In light of this anticipated strife, the apostles took proactive measures by appointing specific ministers. This indicates a structured approach to leadership, emphasizing the importance of having designated individuals in positions of authority to maintain order and continuity within the church.

Clément’s Epistle conveys a sense of intentionality regarding the future of church leadership. It notes that the apostles provided instructions for when the initially appointed ministers (or bishops) would pass away (“fall asleep” as a euphemism for death). This foresight involved ensuring that other ordained or “approved men” would take their place, signifying a commitment to upholding the integrity and stability of the ministry over time. Using the term “approved men” highlights the significance of discernment and qualification in church leadership. The process of approving successors would likely involve a careful evaluation of their character, faithfulness, and ability to lead, ensuring the integrity of the church’s mission.

The passage underscores the early church’s understanding of the need for organized leadership and succession to address potential conflicts and maintain continuity in the faith community.

Ignatius of Antioch (c. A.D. 110)
Epistle to the Smyraens, 8

“See that ye all follow the bishop, even as Jesus Christ does the Father, and the
presbytery as ye would the apostles; and reverence the deacons as the institution
of God. Let no man do anything connected with the Church without the bishop.
Let that be deemed a proper Eucharist, which is [administered] either by the bishop,
or by one to whom he has entrusted it. Wherever the bishop shall appear, there
let the multitude [of the people] also be; even as, wherever Jesus Christ is, there is
the Catholic Church. It is not lawful without the bishop either to baptize or to
celebrate a love-feast; but whatsoever he shall approve of, that is also pleasing
to God, so that everything that is done may be secure and valid.”

Ignatius emphasizes the importance of church hierarchy and the role of the bishop within the early Christian community. It advocates for a structured organization where the bishop is seen as a central figure, analogous to Jesus Christ’s relationship with God the Father.

The phrase “See that ye all follow the bishop” underscores the necessity of unity and obedience to the bishop, who represents Christ’s authority on earth. This highlights the belief in apostolic succession, where the apostles’ authority is transmitted through successive bishops who are validly ordained through the sacrament of the Church.

The mention of the presbytery (a group of elders or priests) suggests that they should be respected and followed just as the apostles were in the infant Church. This reinforces the idea of maintaining structured leadership within the church until Christ returns.

Deacons are referred to as the “institution of God,” which signifies their importance in serving the community and assisting bishops and priests. This emphasizes the need for respect and reverence toward all levels of church leadership.

Ignatius states that the Eucharist (the celebration of communion) is only valid if administered by the bishop or priest he ordained. This underscores the bishop’s role in the sacramental life of the church and establishes a standard for what constitutes a legitimate church clerical service.

The statement “Wherever the bishop shall appear, there let the multitude be” signifies that the local congregation’s presence should be connected to and dependent on the bishop’s leadership. It reflects the belief that the true essence of the Church—the Catholic Church—exists wherever the bishop is.

The statement about baptisms and love feasts (communal meals) being invalid without the bishop’s approval highlights the necessity of proper authority for these sacraments. It establishes the bishop’s role as a gatekeeper to ensure that what is done in the church aligns with God’s will.

In summary, the text illustrates the importance of church order, the authority vested in the bishop, and the communal unity of believers under that leadership, presenting a clear structure that maintains fidelity to the teachings of Christ and the traditions of the early church.

Clement of Alexandria (A.D. 202)
Stromata, 6:13

“Since, according to my opinion, the grades here in the Church, of bishops,
presbyters, and deacons are imitations of the angelic glory and of that economy
which, the Scriptures say, awaits those who, following the footsteps of the apostles,
have lived in the perfection of righteousness according to the Gospel.”

Clement discusses the hierarchical structure within the Church, particularly focusing on the roles of bishops, presbyters (priests), and deacons. It suggests that these roles are not merely administrative or organizational but are seen as reflections or “imitations” of a higher, divine order—the “angelic glory.”

The phrase “that economy which, the Scriptures say, awaits” implies a future fulfillment or reward that is promised to those who lead a life aligned with the apostles’ teachings. This encompasses living a life of moral and spiritual integrity consistent with the principles of the Gospel.

In essence, the text highlights the significance of church leadership roles as a means to aspire to a greater spiritual reality. It encourages individuals to strive for righteousness, drawing inspiration from biblical teachings and the example set by the apostles. It underscores the idea that living a virtuous life has immediate implications and is also connected to a divine promise of glory in the afterlife.

Athanasius of Alexandria (c A.D. 355)
To Dracontius, Epistle 49:2,4

And before you had received the grace of the episcopate, no one knew you but
after you became one, the laity expected you to bring them food, namely, instruction
from the Scriptures…For if all were of the same mind as your present advisers, how
would you have become a Christian since there would be no bishops? Or if our
successors are to inherit the state of mind, how will the Churches be able to hold
together?

The Epistle reflects on the significance of the episcopate (the office of the bishop) in the early Christian community. It contrasts the period before the individual received this grace, when they were unknown and their role was undefined, with the expectations that emerged once they became a bishop. The laity, or the general church members, look to their bishops for spiritual nourishment, specifically through the teaching of Scripture.

Athanasius raises a rhetorical question about the implications of a mindset that questions the necessity of bishops. If everyone were to adopt the perspective of the present advisers (implying a skeptical or dismissive view of ecclesiastical authority), it would challenge the foundation of the Christian faith. It would suggest that without bishops to guide and teach, the community’s ability to function cohesively would be in jeopardy.

Thus, the author highlights the importance of apostolic succession and the continuity of leadership in the Church. The concern is not only for the individual bishop’s role but also for the future of the Church as a whole. It emphasizes the necessity of strong, recognized leadership to ensure the faith is passed down and maintained. If the successors of bishops were to inherit a mindset that undermines their role, the stability and unity of the Church would be threatened.

In short, the text advocates for recognizing the bishop’s role as essential for nurturing the community’s spiritual life and preserving the integrity of the Church’s teachings across generations.

Hilary of Poitiers (A.D. 359)
On the Trinity

“The Blessed Apostle Paul, in laying down the form for appointing a bishop and
creating by his instructions an entirely new type of member of the Church, has
taught us in the following words the sum total of all the virtues perfected in him:
Holding fast the word according to the doctrine of faith that he may be able to
exhort to sound doctrine and to convict gain savers. For there are many unruly
men, vain talkers, and deceivers. In this way, he points out that the essentials of
orderliness and morals are only profitable for good service in the priesthood if, at
the same time, the qualities needed for knowing how to teach and preserve the faith
are not lacking, for a man is not straightway made a good and useful priest by a
merely innocent life or by a mere knowledge of preaching.”

Hilary of Poitiers emphasizes the qualities necessary for appointing a bishop and highlights the standards set by the Apostle Paul for church leadership. He begins by outlining several key virtues that are essential for someone in such a position.

The bishop must “hold fast the word according to the doctrine of faith.” This indicates that a deep commitment to the teachings of the faith is foundational for a leader in the Church. It stresses the importance of understanding and upholding core beliefs that have been passed on through sacred Tradition.

The ability to “exhort to sound doctrine and to convict gainsayers” underscores that a bishop should not only hold the truth but also defend it against those who challenge or distort it. This involves teaching and correcting, ensuring the community remains grounded in true faith amidst various challenges. The mention of “unruly men, vain talkers, and deceivers” points to the existence of dissent and false teachings within the Church. It suggests that the bishop must be prepared to confront these issues directly, promoting order and truth within the community.

The conclusion that a good priest is not merely someone who leads an innocent life or possesses preaching skills alone emphasizes the need for a combined approach to the priesthood. A leader must embody moral integrity while being equipped with the theological knowledge necessary to teach and defend the faith.

This text illustrates a comprehensive vision for church leadership, where character, knowledge, and the ability to guide and protect the faith community are interlinked and indispensable for effective ministry.

Augustine of Hippo (A.D. 388)
On the Morals of the Catholic Church, 69

The text reflects on the moral excellence of the Catholic Church and emphasizes that the praise for its virtue should not be limited to just a few notable figures. The speaker acknowledges having encountered many exceptional individuals within the Church, including bishops, presbyters, deacons, and other ministers, who are described as holy and admirable.

Augustine suggests that the virtue within the Catholic Church is vast and varied. Rather than focusing only on a small group, he highlights the numerous holy individuals contributing to the Church’s moral standing.

The mention of “the greater difficulty of preserving it” suggests that maintaining moral integrity and excellence is particularly challenging given the complexities of human nature and the chaotic environment of life. This adds weight to the praise for those who achieve such virtue.

The “manifold varieties of men” acknowledge the diverse backgrounds, personalities, and challenges individuals face within the Church. Despite these differences, many still manage to embody moral excellence.

The reference to “this life of turmoil” implies that the world is filled with distractions and difficulties that make it harder for individuals to maintain their virtues. Therefore, those who do show moral strength deserve commendation even more.

Overall, the text broadens the understanding of moral excellence within the Catholic Church by recognizing a select few but a multitude of dedicated and virtuous individuals, all of whom navigate a complex and often challenging life.

“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make
disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of
the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I
am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28, 20-22

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