For nearly four centuries priestly ordination was not necessary for the enactment of the eucharist. The author begins his work using scripture to point out the mind and message of Jesus words and deeds opposed to the priesthood and sacrifice of the Jewish Temple. Distinctions, rank, privileges and personal honors were abhorred by Jesus, and his followers, after he died, recall over and over again, as stated in Christian scriptures, their unity and community founded on equality and service to each other. In the final analysis, however, the result of all of the documents referring to the laity point to them as indispensable in the apostolic work of the Church but still subordinate to the bishops and priests who are responsible for such work. A microcosm of this attitude can be seen in parish councils as present legislation defines them.
Councils are advisory to the pastor but have no legislative or administrative authority.
Vatican II is clear to point out a major distinction between the priesthood of the laity or the universal priesthood, and that of the ordained ministry. The priest receives his priesthood through the sacrament of orders imprinting upon him an indelible identity or character as priest. This idea is attributed to the 4th century St. Augustine who separated laity from clergy by making the distinction between those who bear the mark of the sacrament of baptism and those few who are indelibly marked through the sacrament of ordination. Prior to the 5th century the celebration of eucharist happened through an act of commissioning rather than sacrament ordination. Ordination was not a personal possession but it was intended to carry out the office of presiding at eucharist.