Theology of the Priesthood,
2nd Edition
Since the end of Vatican II, in 1965,
more active involvement of the laity has led many people
to wonder about the priest's place in the Church. ''In
this masterful work, theologian Jean Galot, S.J., clarifies
the nature of the priesthood. He explains how the Jewish
priesthood, the perfect priestly ministry of Jesus, and
the role of the Twelve help us understand the ministerial
priesthood. He considers how the "priesthood of the
faithful"? and the ministerial priesthood relate
to each other, and how the latter is, by God's design,
necessary for the former. '' Theology of the Priesthood
carefully examines the priest's role as minister of sacrifice
and the sacraments, prophet of the Word, and leader of
the Church. These and other aspects are summed up, according
to Galot, in the priest's ministry as shepherd. This ministery
is itself a sharing in Jesus' role as Shepherd: "The
priest does not draw the inspiration for his pastoral
zeal from his own feelings, from his own personal resolve
to create a better world"?, Fr. Galot writes. "He
is shepherd on the strength of God's pastoral intention
and represents specifically Christ the shepherd. Consequently,
he is called upon to fulfill his pastoral mission not
according to ideas of his own and his own personal ambitions,
but in keeping with God's own dispensation and the design
of salvation devised by the Father and carried out by
Christ. Like Jesus himself, the priest is at the service
of the Father."? ''The book also explores the spiritual
life of priests, including the role of celibacy. It concludes
with a discussion demonstrating that the male character
of the ministerial priesthood is based on the will of
Jesus and is not contrary to women's dignity on their
role in the Church.'
The 