We have been reflecting on the vocation of the laity. We began with who the laity are: baptized members of Christ’s Body. We then considered where their mission is lived: in the vineyard of family life, work, culture, and the wider world. Last week, we reflected on the baptismal priesthood or how the faithful bring the world to God by offering their ordinary lives through the one sacrifice of Christ. This week, we turn to the second dimension of Christ’s threefold mission: the prophetic.

Over the past several weeks, we have been reflecting on the vocation of the laity. We began with who the laity are: baptized members of Christ’s Body. Last week, we considered where their mission is lived: in the vineyard of family life, work, culture, and the wider world. Through Baptism, the faithful share in the threefold mission of Christ as Priest, Prophet, and King. This week, let us focus on what it means to share in His priesthood.

Last week, we reflected on who the laity are. Through Baptism, lay men and women are incorporated into Christ and share in His priestly, prophetic, and kingly mission. They are not simply Catholics who are “not priests,” nor merely assistants to the clergy. They have their own indispensable part in the Church’s mission. This week, we ask where that mission is ordinarily lived.

Last week, we began reflecting on “the other 99.4 percent of the week.” There are 168 hours in a week, and Sunday Mass represents about 0.6 percent. The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life, but it must shape the other 167 hours. Each week, we bring our lives to the altar and carry Christ from the altar into the world. This is at the heart of the lay vocation.

There are 168 hours in a week. If we spend about one hour at Sunday Mass, that represents roughly 0.6 percent of our time. The Church expects us to participate in Mass each Sunday, and for good reason. The Second Vatican Council teaches that the Eucharist is the “source and summit of the Christian life.” But what are we called to do during the other 167 hours—the other 99.4 percent?