Why the Diocese of Sydney Has it Wrong

One of the surprising details for some who read 'orthodox-minded' blogs is to see a strong disagreement with what the Sydney diocese has done in regards to diaconal and lay celebration of the Eucharist. Simply because there is an agreement on the sexuality debate concerning the nature and makeup of marriage and sexual activity within that holy sacrament does not necessitate that a communion can be built simply on the basis of that agreement. There are all sorts of other 'religious' communities who would agree with the orthodox position on human sexuality but for more important reasons could not build a community. It is for this and various other reasons that I believe the GAFCON movement will not succeed with ALL in the end.

What we find in the scriptures and in the tradition of the Church is the graded order that emerges in the Eucharistic celebration that is, as Thomas Aquinas stated, 'A Sacrament and a Sacrifice.' Interestingly Lancelot Andrewes uses the very same phrase to describe to Cardinal Bellarmine the English Church's position as being the same. Perhaps Sydney could revisit their own fathers that they claim a heritage within before making such novel moves in Christ's Church. I digress. The graded order is among those who participate in the Eucharist, particularly between priest and people. This graded order is NOT a result of personal qualities between the priest and people but because the ordained priest represents Christ as the symbol of his presence who IS the ultimate agent in all the sacraments.

Let us think for a brief moment about the liturgical language within the Mass itself. Throughout the prayers there is the voice in the first person plural that is being used until it reaches the words of institution delivered by our Lord when the language goes from plural to first person singular. The priest becomes representative of Christ as his voice and hands that works to bring a historical event into the present where Christ becomes the speaker as he was the speaker when the words were initially uttered. As representative of the bishop, who is united to the universal Church via the apostolic order and ministry, the priest is there ultimately by Christ's authority but what is exceptionally crucial that we learn from the cross-event is that only God can offer a sacrifice that is acceptable to God. Therefore, the priest must act and speak in persona Christi in all his gestures and words. The offer is always first present by Christ and then adored and received by the people but it must be remembered that it is Christ the Son of God who first shows up in the presence of the priest who becomes his mouth and hands.

In what 'sacramental way' is the diaconate or lay representing Christ the high priest at the altar? If symbols are important to communicate reality such as the symbols of the sacraments are, then why do people believe that the mother of all the sacraments could be altered if the others cannot? It seems to me that what the results of this 'Anglican' diocese has done is to take with one hand the sacramental symbols of marriage and hold them and to give away with the other hand the very sacramental symbols of our Lord in the Holy Eucharist and hence their arguments for this novelty fall right into line with the novelties of same-sex marriage, women's ordination, open Eucharists etc. The priest represents Christ to the Father when he speaks the words in the first person singular and whose representative action and speaking is as important as the use of bread and wine that is used in the sacrament and sacrifice on the altar.

The priest stands at the altar and does what Christ did. This is how we participate in that eternal celestial offering that is made an ever-present and living reality at the altar every time the Church gathers for Mass. We are called to fore go any symbolic initiatives of our own and do and act out what Jesus himself did and acted out when he offered himself fully as the offering for the world on that night before his betrayal. Symbols are important as they communicate the real presence of Christ to his community. Lose the symbols and you lose the reality.