Day 45: Pray for Priests

 Today's readings: Exodus 29, Leviticus 21, and Psalm 119:121-176.

I. In today's reading from Exodus chapter 29, the ordination of priests in the Old Testament is outlined. As the Ignatius Bible notes:

Moses will be the head celebrant who performs the induction ceremony over the course of seven days (29:35). During the week, Aaron and his four sons will be washed with water (29:4), clothed with priestly vestments (29:5-9), anointed with oil (29:7), and sanctified by a series of animal and cereal offerings (29:10-34). These actions are meant to transfer them from the profane world into the realm of holy service. Set apart in this way, the priests will be held to a higher standard of moral and ceremonial purity than the laity of Israel (Lev 10:8-11; 21:1-7) (CCC 1539-41). (p. 161)

II. In Leviticus chapter 21, strict requirements, as well as standards of conduct and living, are placed upon priests of the Old Testament to keep them in holiness before the Lord. As these priests are considered to foreshadow those of the New Covenant, though the specifics differ, they too are called to uphold high moral standards in service to the Lord. Sadly, though, some fall into grave sin, like many of us among the laity. 

The BIY Companion, Vol 1, notes:

The priests of the New Covenant are ordained to lead the people in worship. They are called to be intercessors. Priests are called to be holy and live in a certain way. While we have heard of the grave sins of some priests, every priest - like every disciple of Christ - fails in many small ways to honor the Lord. At times, every Christian fails to live up to the call to be holy as the Lord God is holy. (p. 98)

III. The final verses are given for Psalm 119. In this portion of the longest psalm, the same central theme continues: a deep love for God’s law, combined with a plea for deliverance and perseverance.

Let my supplication come before you;

    deliver me according to your word. (119:170)

That's all for today!