The Last Steps
Steps to a doorway at Herod's Gate, Jerusalem
Yesterday, we gathered for our last class in the three-year Diaconal Formation Program.
There was time for sharing, time for reflection, time for discovery, time for silent meditation, and time for worship. It was a full day.
It was also a day in which we acknowledged that Ella, Carol and I, who are going to be ordained in May will be leaving the three new postulants, Luis, John and Shirley. Having just completed their first year of training, they will usher us out on May 4th and continue on their own when their training resumes in September.
As postulants, they will be at the Ordination, performing the role of usher. Our families and friends will be in their hands as we get ready to process in. They will be serving, as we served for others. In addition, we will begin our service in a new role. Not a higher one, nor a lesser one than any other. It will just be a little different.
One other thing we will be doing on Ordination Day, is assisting in public worship.
That was the topic of our Theological Reflection yesterday. I had been worried that there might not be enough substance in that topic, but thankfully, I was wrong.
We discovered together that there are many perspectives on each topic, and this was no exception. Public Worship may have a common purpose, but it is not performed the same way in every church, in every denomination and in every country.
At the end of our reflection, each of us took a little time to share thoughts, implications and actions we might consider as a result of what we learned from each other. For me, this is the most meaning ful part of the process.
What I took away was an appreciation and respect for the differences among us. But there is more to that than a static response. I realized that so much of the discussion and so many of the battles that flare up over religion and faith are rooted in tradition. While some see change as vital and good, others see it as radical and bad.
While one may be arguing for more change, another may be complaining that we have changed too much.
When that happens, the how of our worship becomes more important than the worship itself.
Today, as we do every Sunday, we will gather together to celebrate the Holy Eucharist. It lies at the heart and at the height of our worship. We set aside this time to experience this transformation together, believing that in our gathering in his name, Jesus is there with us, and becomes the sacrifice.
It is hard to grasp, and for many, difficult to understand.
It is easier to simply see it as a remembrance of the Last Supper.
For me, every meal is that. Whenever we do this, break bread and drink together, we can remember Jesus, God's Word made flesh, his presence among us.
As I walk these last steps to ordination, I know that my ministry and service will include both perspectives, both duties, both voices.
I will be assisting in worship at the altar, participating on behalf of the people of God, in the preparation of the table and the sharing of the bread and wine.
I will also be bringing the Word to every table to which I am invited, to every home I enter, to everyone I meet.
I pray that every meal, every conversation and every encounter will be a remembrance of God's presence among us, in us and working through us.
The deacon is often called a bridge between the church and the people. For me, the deacon is also a reminder that the people are the church and the body.
Let every voice be heard, and let every heart sing in praise of God. Amen.