“How do the scribes claim that the Christ is the son of David?” When you and I were baptized, we were marked with oil as a sign that we were consecrated to God and anointed by the Holy Spirit. Our anointing is also a powerful sacramental sign that means we are joined to Christ and share in His threefold mission as Priest, Prophet, and King. The Israelites anointed their priests and kings with oil. They spoke of their prophets as being anointed with the Spirit. Jesus fulfilled all these, as is evidenced in the dialogue in St. Mark’s Gospel of today when discussing how Christ is the Son of David: “David himself, inspired by the Holy Spirit, said: The Lord said to my lord, ‘Sit at my right hand until I place your enemies under your feet.'” and proclaimed this these very words referred to him:
A priest is a mediator, or bridge, between God and human beings. He offers sacrifice to God on behalf of all. Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, the Jewish high priest went into the Holy of Holies in the Temple. There he offered sacrifice to God to make up for his sins and the sins of others.
A prophet is a messenger sent by God who speaks for God. They witness to God, call people to conversion, and are killed for their message. Jesus fits this description perfectly. He is the Word of God, made flesh, and called the world to turn away from sin and return to the Father and was put to death for it. Crowds identified him as “Jesus the prophet” (Matthew 21:11). He spoke of himself as a prophet: “No prophet is accepted in his own native place.” (Luke 4:24). He even foretold–prophesized– His own Passion, Death, and Resurrection.
A king is a person who has supreme authority over a land and people. When the Jewish people were ruled by kings, they became a nation. They longed for a Messiah who would again make them great and free them from the oppression of the Roman Empire.
The references to Jesus as King in the Gospels are both amazing and meaningful: The Angel Gabriel announced to Mary that the Lord God would give her son the throne of King David, his father, and he would rule over the house of Jacob forever.
What was the most important day of your life? Earlier in our Reflections, I mentioned that it was Mark Twain who said that there were actually two: 1. the day we were born and 2. the day we realized why. That certainly is accurate, but let’s reflect on what the Scripture has shown us today: the best day of our life was the day we were Baptized into Christ! It was there that we received our own three-fold mission to go forward in this life and anointed Priest, Prophet, and King:
Priest: As Baptized Christians, we pray and lift up each other to God
and assist and partake in the great Sacrifice of the Mass.
Prophet: As Baptized Christians, we teach by both word and example
and stand up when necessary for the Gospel and the poor and defenseless.
King: As Baptized Christians, we act kingly when we serve, act selflessly,
and practice noble generosity.
“Jesus, help me to simplify my life by learning what you want me to be – and becoming that person.”
St. Thérèse of Lisieux
Board Member
Everyone needs to have a Ray “Redfish” for a friend or at least to meet one like him before you leave the planet. He has never been known to interrupt a single person, say an unkind thing, although he did come close during the last Dallas Cowboy game, or leave any food on his plate. Ray wants to live in a world where Jesus is Lord, life is sacred, and blessings never end.
Board Member
Grateful for an amazing group of friends and a life that has been blessed and enriched by so many, Andrea brings a deep joy and dedication to the mission of CityOfAgape. She is detail-oriented and uses her experience and foresight to proactively address the needs of those around her. When you speak with Andrea, you feel like you’re the only one in the room.
Board Member
Father David comes from the land of Iowa where you can get sunburn and frostbite all in the same week. He has the mind of an architect and the soul of a musician. Father David has given his heart to Jesus and truly lives in the Kingdom. An accomplished guitarist, drummer, phenomenal preacher, he has the voice of a baritone angel. His prayers are powerful and his humor, well… it’s Iowan.
Secretary/Treasurer
Every day, for nine months, an intermittent light rain falls in Seattle, Washington. Those days are brightened by the warm smile and hopeful outlook on life that Angelyn brings to every encounter. Her financial expertise and engaging conversation has ensured great things ahead for CityOfAgape. Her life is filled with a constant welcome that is focused and friendly.
President
Jacqueline’s life epitomizes hard work, creative service and complete dedication, not only to CityOfAgape, but also to her husband, Joshua, and her beautiful children. Her smile, even when things are difficult, is refreshing and comforting. In most currently used English dictionaries, under the word “energy,” you will find Jacqueline’s picture.
Secretary/Treasurer
Janice is not only meticulous in reviewing records and requests for Scriptures, but her eyes well-up with joyful tears when you ask her about all the letters she has received from the thousands of Bible recipients over the years. She loves gardening and listening to the earth; her life is like a long stroll through an intriguing and engaging nature center.
Board Member
Father James’ priestly service has taken him to four different countries, many parish settings, and in contact with more friends that rivals most politicians. One of his favorite quotes is by G.K. Chesterton, “Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair.” If there are sounds of a lively discussion, mixed with hearty laughter and the aroma of a good cigar, Father James can’t be too far way.
Founder and President Emeritus
The minute John walks through the door, your IQ goes up. He embodies the remarkable talent of grasping the bigger picture while juggling multiple points of view, in a world where many are very one-sided. Always happy, even when he is sad, John is ready to challenge and comfort all in the same breath. Where some only see problems, John sees the bright promise of tomorrow. His inspiration and memory will outlast his years on earth. John always says, “there are always miracles where there is great love.”