Homily for Deaconate Ordination Homily Feast of the Birth of Mary: September 8, 2007

Given by the Most Reverend Stephen E. Blaire at the Cathedral of the Annunciation in Stockton.

The Church does not celebrate the birthdays, neither of Jesus nor Mary nor John the Baptist, in quite the same way as we celebrate birthdays in our culture of great people who have died. To do so would convey a commemoration or anniversary with emphasis on remembering a past event of significance with the focus on the historical past even though the influence of the person remains to this day. Rather today we celebrate the birth of Mary as we do of Jesus on December 25th and John the Baptist on June 24th. The emphasis indeed is on an historical event in the saving plan of God but with eternal and spiritual significance and a vitality as important today for the Church as on the actual day of birth. The role of Mary as the mother of Jesus, the Redeemer, became at the foot of the cross, the role of Mary as the mother of the redeemed . We ask Mary to pray for us that we be faithful disciples of her son, that we be made worthy of all that God has promised us, and that she pray for us now and at the hour of our death.

Interestingly enough the practice has never developed in the Church, as far as I know, of celebrating the day of our baptism. Commemorating the day of baptism in the manner of an anniversary would seem to be of little significance. What matters and what is important is living our baptismal commitment of faith today at this very moment. And if we lose our baptismal innocence by serious sin it is restored by the Church in the sacrament of penance. Each day, each moment then is a rebirth in the Lord Jesus Christ. Now is the hour of salvation.

In the mysterious plan of God each of these men to be ordained deacon were born into the history of the world. They are not here by happenstance. In the wondrous interweaving of the experiences of life (growing up, marriage, children, work, leisure, developing their talents and gifts, maturing in their personhood, and certainly in their challenges and struggles) God has chosen them from all eternity to serve the Church in the Order of Deacon. Their ordination is a moment of God’s plan of salvation in the Church. Their ordination is a new birth for them in pastoral ministry. It is now a matter of being faithful to their baptismal call in the new context of sacramental ordination to serve the Church and by extension the world in the name of Jesus Christ the Servant of God. In union with Christ baptized into the Church, in communion with their brothers and sisters in faith, they now serve the Church in this new capacity.

Their office as Deacons is to assist the Bishop and the Pastors in the exercise of the ministry of charity which includes the works of justice. They preach the word of God and serve at the altar table of the Eucharist.

Sister Emilie taught them with great gusto that they are to be men of compassion. Their ministry of charity, preaching and service will change hearts and lead people to God if they are seen as men who walk humbly with their brothers and sisters in their everyday struggles and sufferings in life.

Immediately after these men are ordained and invested as deacons they receive the Book of the Gospels and hear these words which should be a source of reflection and meditation throughout their lives: RECEIVE THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST, WHOSE HERALD YOU NOW ARE. BELIEVE WHAT YOU READ, TEACH WHAT YOU BELIEVE, AND PRACTICE WHAT YOU TEACH.

Last Update September 11, 2007