Twenty-Fourth Tuesday of Ordinary Time

Similarly, deacons must be dignified, not deceitful, not addicted to drink, not greedy for sordid gain, holding fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. Moreover, they should be tested first; then, if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. Women, similarly, should be dignified, not slanderers, but temperate and faithful in everything. Deacons may be married only once and must manage their children and their households well. Thus those who serve well as deacons gain good standing and much confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.

The word deacon means “servant” in Greek and indicates a special type of vocation to ministry. However, this list of qualifications for becoming a deacon also applies to our own lives because we are all called to be servants of God and each other. In light of this, we should all strive to be dignified, truthful, prudent, charitable, and ever faithful. We should expect to be tested in our faith by God, by others, and even by ourselves. We should be temperate and chaste, and manage our lives and the lives of our families wisely and well. If we do these things, then we will fulfill our purpose on this earth and find ourselves in good standing with God and confident in our faith because we will have chosen to live our lives as good and faithful servants.

Are we living our lives as servants of God and His children? What vocation is God calling us to embrace? How can we model ourselves upon the virtues of those who are called to the diaconate?

O Lord, help us to hold fast to the mystery of our faith with a clear conscience.

Amen.

Monday of the Third Week of Easter

Stephen, filled with grace and power, was working great wonders and signs among the people. Certain members of the so-called Synagogue of Freedmen, Cyreneans, and Alexandrians, and people from Cilicia and Asia, came forward and debated with Stephen, but they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke.

Stephen, a deacon, was called to service in a special way among the early Christians. However, he not only worked great wonders and signs, but also proclaimed the faith with wisdom and the Spirit even though he knew it might mean his death. In a similar way, we are all called to be prophetic servants of God’s Word and His Will. We might not have a specific vocation to the deaconate or be called to be martyrs, but we are all asked to know, love, and serve God and His children in our own unique ways and be willing to suffer and die in order to fulfill our mission to evangelize the world. Our service and deaths might not be as dramatic as Stephen’s, but that doesn’t mean they are any less important in the eyes of God. He sees our good deeds and sacrifices with the eyes of a loving Father, compassionate Brother, and supportive Advocate. He only cares that what we do is done with great love and mercy.

How are we being called to be a sign of God’s Goodness? In what ways can we proclaim the Good News to others? What vocation is God calling us to?

O Lord, makes us prophetic signs of your love and mercy.

Amen.