Of the Imitation of Christ/Book IV/Chapter V
CHAPTER V.
OF THE DIGNITY OF THIS SACRAMENT, AND OF THE MINISTERIAL FUNCTION.
F thou hadst the purity of an angel, and the sanctity of S. John Baptist, thou wouldst not be worthy to receive this sacrament, or to administer it.
For it is not within the compass of the deserts of men, that man should consecrate and administer this sacrament of Christ, and receive for food the bread of angels.
Great is this mystery; and great is the dignity of priests to whom is granted that which is not permitted to angels.
For only priests duly ordained in the church have power to celebrate this sacrament, and to consecrate the body of Christ.
The priest is indeed the minister of God, using the word of God, by God's command and appointment: yet God is there the principal author, and invisible worker: to Whom all that He shall please is subject.
2. Thou oughtest therefore to believe God Almighty in this most excellent sacrament, rather than thine own sense or any visible sign.
And therefore thou must approach this holy work with fear and reverence.
Consider attentively and see what that is, whereof the ministry is delivered unto thee by the laying on of the bishop's hand.
Behold thou art made a priest, and consecrated to celebrate the Lord's sacrament; take heed now that thou offer this sacrifice to God faithfully and devoutly, and at fit opportunities, and conduct thyself so as thou mayest be without reproof.
Thou hast not lightened thy burden, but art now bound with a straiter band of discipline, and art compelled to a more perfect degree of sanctity.
A priest ought to be adorned with all graces, and to give example of good life to others.
His life and conversation should not be in the common ways of man, but with the angels in heaven, or with the perfect on earth.
3. A priest clad in sacred garments is Christ's deputy, that with all supplication and humility he may beseech God for himself and for the whole people.
Neither ought he to cease from prayer and holy oblation, till he prevail to obtain grace and mercy.
When a priest doth celebrate the holy eucharist, he honoureth God, he rejoiceth the angels, he edifieth the church, he helpeth the living, he remembereth the departed, and maketh himself partaker of all good things.