It's been awhile since a posting on the diaconate specifically. A recent flipping through of my Deacon Digest magazine brought me this amazing article by Deacon Jospeh Donadieu. Here are some of the highlights:
The words every new Deacon hears when handed the Book of the Gospels are: "Receive the Gospel of Christ, whose herald you now are. Beleive what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach." The words tell us who we are, what we do and how we are to live. As a "herald" of the Gospel of Christ, the Deacon proclaims the Good News to all that Christ has died, has been raised and will come again in glory. As a herald, the Deacon is also called to be a sign of what is yet to come.
Long after ordination the Deacon's formation continues as he immerses himself in the Word of God. The Deacon stands to proclaim the mysteries of our faith to seekers and students, to parents and children, to the beloved and the bereaved, to all who yearn for the truth of Jesus Christ.
More than herald or teacher, the Deacon is called to be a man of Christ, a living icon of Christ the Servant. The Deacon must be seen as the living Gospel. Here are the words of Pope Benedict 16th about the service of the Deacon: "Effective co-workers of the Bishops and Priest, continue to love the Word of God. You proclaim the Gospel at the heart of the Eucharistic Celebration, and you expound it in the catechesis you offer to your brothers and sisters. Make the Gospel the center of your lives, of your service to your neighbors, of your entire diakonia. Without seeking to take the place of Priests, but assisting them with your friendship and your activity, may you be living witnesses to the infinite power of God's word."
Let there be no doubt about it, there are no part-time Deacons!
No comments:
Post a Comment