Reflections on the Priesthood

The Priesthood is a vocation within the universal vocation of all Christian to discipleship. Here mention needs be made of the relationship between the common priesthood of all the faithful and the ministerial priesthood. According to Vatican II, the two differ not only in degree, but in essence. Nevertheless, they are not opposed to each other. They are rather complementary. Ministerial priesthood presupposes common priesthood. Common priesthood needs ministerial priesthood in order to carry out its functions. Both are participation in the one priesthood of Christ.