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Deacon Appreciation Day
Memorial of Saint Cecilia
November 22, 2008
Our Lady of Lourdes Church
(Hosea 2: 16-22 and Matthew 25:1-13)

At first glance, it may seem alarming that on Deacon Appreciation Day we are celebrating martyrdom -- not necessarily yours but that of Saint Cecilia. Yet, we know that this is not by coincidence. It is God’s providence and, no doubt, His way of speaking to the heart of the ministry of the deacon and all those who wish to be His disciples.

A young man with whom I recently spoke understands that giving one’s life to the Lord demands a daily dying to self. He said he was reflecting recently on the many blessings he had in life: a good career, a stellar reputation, a wonderful family and all the comforts he could desire. He said to himself, “This is too easy. How am I going to get to heaven?” He understands clearly that the successes of this world do not guarantee the ultimate reward we all seek. As we strive to grow daily in holiness, is that not the question we should all ask? “How am I going to get to heaven?” Today’s readings assist us with the response.

First, as the Gospel parable teaches, we must stay awake! The other night I had the opportunity to celebrate Mass for the students associated with the campus ministry at N.C. State and to spend time with them after the Liturgy. They were very stressed and spoke of the anxiety they were experiencing with final examinations soon approaching. When I said to them that it was my understanding that the students at State studied daily, and remained current with all assignments and, thus, examinations were merely a “leisurely review,” they (for some reason) found my statements very amusing.

Yet, if we are going to get to Heaven, we must be ready, vigilant and prepared. As today’s Gospel reminds us, we do not know the day or hour the Bridegroom will call us to Himself. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Thus, daily we must be faithful to what the Lord is asking of us and take heart in the message of the prophet Hosea, who tells us the Lord will espouse us in fidelity. Then, there is no room for fear or anxiety. Dear deacons, today provides you with a wonderful opportunity to renew the promises you made at Ordination, to renew your commitment to be men of prayer, to be men of service. Perhaps the Lord is asking you to make some changes in your life in these areas. If so, do not delay. Stay awake!

How are we going to get to heaven? The path, as the Lord so frequently taught, demands that we unite ourselves to His cross and suffering in the spirit of the martyr whose feast we celebrate today. As I gathered with my brother Bishops last week, we spoke of the struggles of the past few months, especially as we tried to preach the Gospel of Life and to teach the true meaning of faithful citizenship. There was not a Bishop in the room who did not experience from some of his faithful various degrees of apathy, criticism and even rejection. I know that our priests and many of you have experienced similar responses. I was uplifted in a private conversation with one Bishop who said, “The mandate of the Lord is clear: We are to preach His truth in great love. Each day, I simply renew my yes to do so and, even in the midst of negativity, I find joy.”

Dear deacons, more than ever the ways, the commands of the Lord must be taught. More than ever, your service to the most vulnerable and weak in our midst is needed. More than ever, His Gospel of Life must be proclaimed. Will faithfulness to your ministry at times bring rejection and suffering? Most likely. So, take heart in the message of the prophet Hosea, who tells us the Lord will espouse us in love and mercy. Will faithfulness to your ministry unite you ever closer to the Lord and put you on the path to holiness? Absolutely. Renew today the commitment to proclaim His truth in love.

On Monday, we will bury a beloved priest, Fr. Robert Lawson. When I last spoke to him, I told him that he looked very peaceful. He added, “And joyful!” He then told me why: “I am ready and prepared to meet the Lord.” Pray God that we may be able to say the same!