ROF7 – The Clergy – Love's Earthly Form – Roots of the Faith with Mike Aquilina – Discerning Hearts Podcast

The Clergy – Love's Earthly Form – Roots of the Faith with Mike Aquilina Mike Aquilina and Kris McGregor discuss the sacrament of Holy Orders and its roots in the earliest life of the Church. Jesus entrusted the apostles with continuing His work when He commanded them at the Last Supper to “do this in memory of me,” establishing a structure that appears already in the New Testament: bishops, priests, and deacons. Early Christian writings confirm that this threefold ministry was present from the beginning and connected with the priestly pattern of Israel—high priest, priests, and Levites. Figures such as St. Clement of Rome and St. Ignatius of Antioch testify that the Church maintained this order across different communities, with apostolic succession ensuring continuity of authority and teaching after the apostles died. Priesthood, like baptism, imprints a permanent sacramental identity that does not disappear even if a priest fails morally. The Church Fathers reflected deeply on the dignity and responsibility of this ministry, describing it as a heavenly work carried out on earth. Examples such as St. John Chrysostom and St. Ambrose illustrate both the spiritual awe surrounding the priesthood and the practical virtues required of clergy. St. Ambrose’s courageous leadership, personal holiness, and guidance of others—including the conversion of St. Augustine—show how faithful ministry helped shape Christian civilization and influence the course of the Church’s history. Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

1. How does the institution of Holy Orders at the Last Supper deepen your understanding of Christ’s care for His Church?
2. What does the early Church’s structure of bishop, priest, and deacon reveal about continuity with the apostles?
3. How does the teaching on apostolic succession strengthen your trust in the Church’s authority and tradition?
4. In what ways can you grow in gratitude for the priests and deacons who serve your local parish community?
5. How does the permanent sacramental character of Holy Orders shape your view of the dignity and responsibility of the priesthood?
6. What does St. Augustine’s teaching about the validity of the sacraments teach you about Christ working through imperfect ministers?
7. How can the awe described by the Church Fathers toward the priesthood inspire greater reverence for the Mass?
8. What virtues described by St. Ambrose might also guide your own Christian life and witness?
9. How does the courage of St. Ambrose in confronting political leaders challenge Christians to live the truth faithfully today?
10. What role can prayer for priests play in strengthening the life and mission of the Church?

You can find the book on which this series is based here. About the Book This highly readable introduction to the roots of many Catholic beliefs and practices provides a sense of connection to our brothers and sisters who have gone before us and who helped shape the faith. Mike Aquilina makes it clear that as far as the essentials are concerned, a time-travel trip back to the beginning of the Church would reveal a Church familiar to Catholics today. Just as an acorn grows into a tree and yet remains the same plant, so the Catholic Church is a living organism that has grown from the faith of the earliest Christians into the Body of Christ we know today. For more episodes in the Roots of the Faith podcast visit here – Roots of the Faith – Discerning Hearts Podcast Mike Aquilina is a popular author working in the area of Church history, especially