Dear brothers and sisters, as we listened to our first reading from the Acts of the Apostles this morning, we heard of the Twelve’s concern that they needed to focus more on prayer and on the ministry of the word. They were admitting that they couldn’t do everything and were concerned that other aspects of community life were being neglected, especially the care of the poor and of widows.
It is in this moment that we see the birth of the Order of Deacons as they chose seven men to focus on the ministry of service in the local church. Today, after a period of extensive formation, these husbands, fathers, sons, brothers, and fellow believers have come to dedicate themselves to the service of the People of God as deacons of the Roman Catholic Church in the parishes of the Diocese of Syracuse.
More than ever, sisters and brothers, we too, recognize in these days that in our parish communities, in order to better serve Christ’s faithful and those outside the flock, the need for the harmonizing ministry of both lay and ordained ministers. Particularly in this moment, I want to remind all in ordained ministry that lay women and men are not invisible, but essential partners; without whom the Christian community could not fulfill the work of our baptismal calling. Their ministry is needed and valued; and they must be promoted vigorously and cared for and treated with ever greater respect. The synodal journey we are on as Church must lead all of Christ’s faithful to better listening and cooperation with one another!
Now this morning, like the first deacons, these candidates come before a successor of the Apostles to receive the laying on of hands and to be appointed, that is, ordained to follow Christ in ministerial service – “to be living gospel for all people to hear!” Over the course of the last few weeks, I have had the privilege to meet up with Joseph, Jeffrey, Bernard, John, John, Craig, William, and William on an individual basis to test their readiness for Ordination. What has impressed me in all eight of them is their focus on being “doers of the word and not hearers only” (Jas 1:22).
My brothers, through your daily living and service, you will seek to extend Christ, the Word of God made flesh, to those you meet along the way. In truth, your ministry is all about being a manifestation – an icon – a window – through which Christ, the deacon, can be seen here and now! You are to be a bearer of the Good News of Jesus Christ not merely by preaching the message, but even more importantly by making a sermon of it by the life you lead and doing so in a most vivid manner! Calling to mind words of another deacon of the Church, known as Francis of Assisi: “Preach the gospel at all times and when necessary use words!”
Sisters and brothers, what then are those to be ordained this morning getting themselves into? In this day and age, what does it look like “to serve and not be served and to give one’s life for many” (Mt 20:28)?
In 1967, in a speech to the members of the Study Committee for the Permanent Diaconate, St. Pope Paul VI, reflected: “Only one thing needs to be insisted upon: ‘Your every act should be done with love’ (1 Cor 16:14), as the Apostle Paul says, here meaning not only the theological virtue that comes from God and unites us to him, but, more so, that harmony of mind and deeds that should mark mutual relations in the Church community and that involves a confluence of sentiments, of virtues, and of norms that make the very community’s fullness of order and holiness become more enriched. We like to ponder the union, the docility, the affection that should unite the deacon to the bishop. We like to think of the spirit of service that should characterize the deacon who is defined precisely by service and, in service, becomes like Christ, who ‘did not come to be served but to serve’ (Mt 20:28). We like to think also that the holy Church, in the permanent deacons, will have a new, pure example of that splendor of the chaste lifestyle that is duly demanded of the sacred ministry, whether they remain celibate or have the diaconal order bestowed on them when already married and of mature age.”
Echoing the Holy Father’s thoughts, our second reading this morning from the First Letter of St. Timothy reminds its listeners, that our brothers are to do so, first and foremost, by their dignified manner of life (see 1 Tm 3:8). They are to show themselves without blemish or reproach before God and neighbor – as a minister of Christ and as stewards of God’s mysteries.
This day, consecrated by the laying on of hands that comes down to us from the Apostles and bound more closely to the service of the altar, our brothers will perform works of charity in the name of the bishop or pastor. With the help of God, they are to go about their duties in such a way that others will recognize them as disciples of him who announced a gospel of service in word and deed. Central to this proclamation will be a life of prayer on a daily basis – taking time to immerse oneself in the community of the Trinity. My brothers, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are intimately aware of you. They are thinking of you always, with love. Rest in the Word of God and let it fill you with joy while bringing to your prayer supplication for those whom you encounter in need on the path of life.
Above all, my brothers, in being “doers of the Word” never allow yourselves to be turned away from the hope offered by the Gospel. Now you are not only a hearer of this Gospel but also its minister. Again, express by your actions the word of God which your lips proclaim, so that the Christian people, brought to life by the Spirit, may be a pure offering accepted by God. Then on the last day, when you go out to meet the Lord of the Harvest you will be recognized as a “Doer of the Word” and hear him say, “Well done, my friend…my good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord.” Amen.
