When we have a look at the nature of the call that people received in the Sacred Scriptures, we can notice that three distinctive characters emerge. In the first instance it seems that what God calls us for seems impossible to achieve. This can be clearly seen from Moses who was asked to go to tell the Pharaoh to let the Hebrew people go to the promised land that God had prepared for them. Mary seemed to have been chosen for something too difficult to achieve, to become the Mother of the Messiah when she was not even married. The second common characteristic that emerges is that the first reaction of those who receive a call from God is to back off. This is too much. This is too hard to achieve. It is very interesting to note that when we read the Book of Exodus we find out that Moses tried to put forward at least five excuses for not doing what God was asking him to do. This included that he suddenly discovered that he stutters and that he was not fit to go and talk to the Pharaoh. Mary reacted in a typically human manner by asking "How could this come about?" This is not for real.
However, the third characteristic of the call of God is that at the end God always comes back and says, I know that it is hard. It would be foolish of you to think that you can do my work on your own, or else by relying solely on your qualities great though they might be. This is my work. I have chosen you to accomplish it. So go and I will be with you. This is how Moses, Mary and the other great characters that we find in the Scriptures accomplished their work. All of us undergo the same experiences, the same doubts and look for the same excuses. However, in the final analysis, we accomplish amazing things when we let ourselves be guided and encouraged by our God.
Peter, our brother here, has sensed deep down within him that the Lord has a specific call for him. He has gradually come to realise that the Lord is calling him to the priesthood. Today we mark another step in his journey, a step which we pray will ultimately lead him to the priesthood in the not too distant future. This has been an amazing journey. A journey of reflection and discernment, a journey of assessing whether this is indeed the will of God for him. It has taken a few years. Yet God calls whenever He desires.
What is the call that God is making to Peter as a deacon entail? In the first place, he will be able to officiate at baptisms and marriages, to give the viaticum to the dying and to lead the rite of burial. All of this points to a very deep responsibility. These things occur at the most sacred moments of a person's life. This means that Peter will be entrusted by the church the ministry of accompanying people at the times of their deepest joys as well as during the times of their deepest anxiety and concern. You, Peter, are being officially and solemnly entrusted with the life giving ministry of walking with our people in very special moments. People are going to trust you with very personal and important moments of their lives. You are called to have the deepest respect for this trust and to bring Jesus Christ into these moments. You are called not to bring yourself to these moments but who you represent, who you stand for and let our God console, heal, encourage, empower, forgive and do whatever is necessary in their situation.
You are also asked as a deacon, to proclaim the Word of God, to prepare the altar for the Eucharist and to give the Body and the Blood of Jesus Christ to our people. Proclaim the Word of God with a heart that is walking and breathing with the Master. Proclaim the Word with a heart that is literally dunked in the power of the Holy Spirit and with a heart that strives to be holy and sacred as the heart of Jesus. May your proclamation be bold and passionate, the fruit of your intimate relationship with our God, the fruit of serious reflection on what is occurring around you and the fruit of the necessary disciplined study.
You are also asked to avail yourself for works of charity. You are a very generous person, We know that over the years you have built up a good reputation. We know that you are a responsible person, someone who is faithful to what you promised. We know that over the years you have accumulated much wisdom, you are firmly planted in your faith, and you have been very faithful to what those who are in charge of your formation have been asking of you, both at the seminary and in the parishes where you have consolidated your formation. My brother, in whatever you do, think like Jesus, feel like Jesus, love like Jesus, speak like Jesus. May our presence radiate the presence of our God who is full of gentleness, compassion and healing.
We will continue to walk with you and pray with you, so that the fullness of God's will might be fulfilled in you.
God bless.
