PASTORAL PARADIGMS THAT NECESSITATED A MAJOR REFORM BY PRESBYTERORUM ORDINIS
Keywords:
PASTORAL PARADIGMS, PRESBYTERORUM ORDINISAbstract
It is interesting for a Church historian to observe the various circumstances and events that influenced the development of ministerial priesthood in the Catholic Church from early centuries up to Vatican II. There existed formal priesthood in Judaism for the fulfilment of the cultic needs of the Jewish people along with other institutions of prophets and kings. As we pass on to the “new covenant” and the economy of the new people of God, we find Jesus establishing a new paradigm of religious leadership merging the cultic, prophetic and kingly roles into one ministerial priesthood which is central to the whole life of the Church in all its aspects. This is the pastoral ministry, a unique institution, for the building up of a Christian community of worship and fellowship. The basic nature of this ministry stands as diakonia, one of humble service as taught and modelled by the Master. Jesus stands as the example and prototype of this pastoral leadership, who is named as the High Priest by the author of the letter to the Hebrews (2: 17; 8: 1).
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