John 17:11b-19
11 b Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are.
12 When I was with them I protected them in your name that you gave me, and I guarded them, and none of them was lost except the son of destruction, in order that the scripture might be fulfilled.
13 But now I am coming to you. I speak this in the world so that they may share my joy completely.
14 I gave them your word, and the world hated them, because they do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world.
15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world but that you keep them from the evil one.
16 They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world.
17 Consecrate them in the truth. Your word is truth.
18 As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world.
19 And I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth.
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This is the institution of the priesthood. The words certainly have value to us all, but take note that the words were spoken directly to the Twelve and their successors. Christ is consecrating the first priests, and sending them out into the world. Just last weekend, Father Skillman received this very consecration.
Priests are individuals and have been given different gifts. Some give great homilies, some are skilled spiritual directors, some are gifted in the confessional, and some have been blessed with the ability to head the flock. We are blessed to have three such men with us at St. Joseph's. They all have different gifts; however, all of them have been consecrated in the truth, and have been sent out into the world by our Savior.
Thank God they have been sent to us!
