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Bishop Burbidge's Homily at July 23 Diaconate Ordination
Ordination to the Permanent Diaconate
Saint Raphael Church
July 23, 2008
At most Ordinations, there is more than one candidate to be ordained. But not tonight: There is only one. You could understand if Hector was a bit anxious. But he is not. He is serene and humbly confident. The reasons are clear. He believes firmly in the truths proclaimed in Sacred Scripture tonight and celebrated in this Liturgy: (1) He is selected by God. (2) He is sent to serve. (3) He is strengthened by the Lord.
Selected by God
All those who know and love Hector are aware that his story is unique. His road to the Permanent Diaconate has not been a straight line. There have been some twists and turns and various obstacles and challenges. He is no different than the first disciples the Lord chose to carry out His mission. In tonight’s reading from the Acts of the Apostles, seven men were selected. The Apostles prayed over them and then imposed hands on them. They assisted the Apostles and became God’s special instruments in helping to spread His Word and increase the number who embraced the true faith.
Tonight, it is the Lord in His divine and mysterious plan who calls the name Hector. With God’s grace and with the love and support of his dear wife, family and friends, Hector responds, “Present. Here I am Lord. Send me.” Soon, the great tradition of the early Church continues. Through the laying on of hands and the prayer of Ordination, the gift of the Holy Spirit for the Office of Deacon is conferred upon one selected by God. The Diocese and the entire Church rejoice in knowing that there will be a new deacon to assist the Bishop and his priests in their ministries, especially in the essential work of leading others closer to the Lord in Word and Sacrament.
Sent to Serve
Soon, Hector will prostrate himself on the church floor as the Church calls upon the intercession of the saints. This profound gesture and the promises he will make are signs of Hector’s commitment to give himself to God with an undivided heart and to root his life in pastoral charity. In tonight’s Gospel, the Lord makes clear how to be faithful to those promises: “Remain in my love, keep my commandments and love one another as I have loved you.”
“As I have loved you”: Jesus’ love is faithful; it is without condition; it is without exception and it is without end. He came to serve and not to be served and, Hector, you must do the same. Love the way He loves. Give the way He gives. Bring His healing and compassionate love to others, especially those so often forgotten, those who are vulnerable and those in most need. Always remember, you are sent to serve! Only then will your joy be complete!
Strengthened by God
As we listen to the Lord’s Word tonight, especially the Letter to Timothy, we hear what is expected of our deacon candidate. He is to be deeply spiritual, prudent, filled with faith, truthful and one who holds firmly to divinely revealed faith. Left on our own, such expectations can be overwhelming. Yet, Hector reflects this evening his surrender to God, who promises to be with him always.
Hector, stay ever close to Jesus. Listen to the sound advice contained in the Directory for the Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons: “In order to live ministry to the full, deacons must know Christ intimately so that He may shoulder the burden of ministry. They must give priority to the spiritual life and they should organize their lives so as to grow in the person and mission of Christ the servant.” Hector, through the intercession of Mary our Mother and all the saints, call daily upon the divine assistance of Jesus. In Him alone do you find the consolation and strength you need to carry out His mission.
Hector, with God’s grace, be renewed in the truths and faith we celebrate this evening: You are selected by God, sent to serve and strengthened by the Lord. As you strive daily to love others as Christ loved us, may you find joy and may your joy be complete! Amen.