Category Archives: Easter II – Misericordia Domini

One early Christian order, known as The Apostolic Constitution, includes the following prayer for the undershepherd’s faithfulness to the Good Shepherd: “Father, who knows the heart, grant that your servant whom you have chosen may feed your flock and exercise your sovereign priesthood without blame, serving you day and night.” The placing of the shepherd’s staff in the right hand of the newly ordained in the presence of the flock is going to serve teaches us a profound lesson about Christ and His great I AM statement, “I am the Good Shepherd.” The reason for existence of the church and its ministry is to feed the flock of God which He purchased with His own blood. And as Christ feeds His flock and exercises His priesthood through the pastoral office, He leads you beside the waters of baptism, He restores your soul in the word of absolution, and He feeds you at the table set with His true body and blood. Continue reading →