James and John were opportunists. Their aim was to rise in the ranks. To achieve their end they did not hesitate to beg. They did not mind how much envy and resentment they aroused in their companions. Their aim was to scramble up the career ladder. But at what price to themselves? If in the course of their ride to the top, people lose themselves, their own souls, whatever they do or achieve will be worthless. Power sometimes hardens the human heart.
Jesus, help us to serve you and our brothers and sisters with love and humility. Help us to take the words of St. Francis to heart: “It is in giving that we receive.”
It is in serving that we grow in love.
The Diaconate Ministry in our parish and diocese.
Since the readings today speak about service, it is appropriate to mention that the ministry of deacons is a ministry of service. Like Jesus, the deacons bring to us the servant heart of Christ who bends down to wash the feet of His disciples.
This is indeed what Deacons Dale and Peter will be doing. Their ministry is indeed a gift to our community and our diocese in general.
I remember when I was a deacon: one thousand years ago 😊, I was so enthusiastic that I wanted to do everything. The priest I was with said to me: “Well, I don’t want you doing everything such that by the time you become a priest and leave, I won’t have any more volunteers because you’ve taken their ministry.’ He said it with a smile and in a joking manner. But I just didn’t get it because I just wanted to dive into ministry 😊
Our deacons are here to serve us not to take away ministries from those who have been serving in different capacities in our parishes. Through our service, we enrich one another.
A parishioner said to me: “Fr, I don’t have to be an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion anymore. The deacons can do it.” While one of the deacon’s ministry is to distribute Holy Communion, they are not here to take away any ministry from anybody, rather to offer their hands to us – to all who have been serving in our parishes. Together, we serve and enrich our parishes and community.
Our service is sacrifice, it can be like drinking the cup of suffering sometimes, we go the extra-mile for others. All done in love in imitation of Jesus who came to serve not to be served.
Happy Sunday, my brother, my sister. God love you!
Your brother, ~ Fr. Obi