You are learning that the diaconate is more than a pause between laity and priest. It is the time to understand and live the prophetic nature of vocational ministry, holding in one hand the range of human emotion before you - pain and suffering, joy and laughter, anxiety and loneliness, anticipation and hope - and, in the other hand, God's anger, joy, calm, presence, promise and love - and being so fully present to the human and the divine, feeling the beating of your heart pulsing through both hands, that you act in the now of it all. The laity and deacon in you are teaching you how to be priest. You are wise to pay close attention. It is a joy and a privilege to watch this unfold. Thank you for sharing so intimately and generously.
PS: Check the BCP 857. Two "Great" Sacraments. Five Sacramental Rites.
I so appreciate your thoughtful and encouraging comments, Elizabeth! That has definitely been a lovely surprise of this window of time, brief (and fast!) as it may be. I am really enjoying what I’m learning and am growing in my appreciation for our prophetic deacons as I spend more time with them on my diocese. Thanks, too, for the attention to sacramental language in our tradition! Little nuances I am always happy to learn.
Thankyou Janette for your moving piece this week. I was reminded of a phrase by Jean Pierre de Caussade that I came across when studying, which was powerful for me- “the Sacrament of the present moment “ I send my love and thanks for your writing and for being you!
I had a sacramental moment while volunteering at my church's meal program for marginalized communities. I usually am trying to be busy the entire time and fill in where needed. I saw two teens on their phones and caught myself getting frustrated. They're supposed to be volunteering like me! As I was thinking these thoughts, I caught myself and decided to STOP JUDGING and ask them if they needed help. Sure enough, they did and were looking at their phones to diagnose the issue they were having. As I spoke with them more, I noticed how sweet they were. I am grateful God gave me some grace in that moment.
Angela, that is beautiful! I am always surprised by the result when I take time to pause in moments like this instead of operate from my initial assumptions. I’m so glad those teens were a means of grace to you that day.
This is really beautiful! I loved these moments of sacred ordinary. And the one about the retired deacon blessing you brought me to tears!
Thank you Elizabeth! I am glad to know it made someone else cry because I was definitely a mess for days afterward.
You are learning that the diaconate is more than a pause between laity and priest. It is the time to understand and live the prophetic nature of vocational ministry, holding in one hand the range of human emotion before you - pain and suffering, joy and laughter, anxiety and loneliness, anticipation and hope - and, in the other hand, God's anger, joy, calm, presence, promise and love - and being so fully present to the human and the divine, feeling the beating of your heart pulsing through both hands, that you act in the now of it all. The laity and deacon in you are teaching you how to be priest. You are wise to pay close attention. It is a joy and a privilege to watch this unfold. Thank you for sharing so intimately and generously.
PS: Check the BCP 857. Two "Great" Sacraments. Five Sacramental Rites.
I so appreciate your thoughtful and encouraging comments, Elizabeth! That has definitely been a lovely surprise of this window of time, brief (and fast!) as it may be. I am really enjoying what I’m learning and am growing in my appreciation for our prophetic deacons as I spend more time with them on my diocese. Thanks, too, for the attention to sacramental language in our tradition! Little nuances I am always happy to learn.
Thankyou Janette for your moving piece this week. I was reminded of a phrase by Jean Pierre de Caussade that I came across when studying, which was powerful for me- “the Sacrament of the present moment “ I send my love and thanks for your writing and for being you!
Sue
Oh, I am going to mull on that… how might I be more present in any given moment if I see it all as a potential sacramental experience?
wow wow wow- loved this piece!
I had a sacramental moment while volunteering at my church's meal program for marginalized communities. I usually am trying to be busy the entire time and fill in where needed. I saw two teens on their phones and caught myself getting frustrated. They're supposed to be volunteering like me! As I was thinking these thoughts, I caught myself and decided to STOP JUDGING and ask them if they needed help. Sure enough, they did and were looking at their phones to diagnose the issue they were having. As I spoke with them more, I noticed how sweet they were. I am grateful God gave me some grace in that moment.
Angela, that is beautiful! I am always surprised by the result when I take time to pause in moments like this instead of operate from my initial assumptions. I’m so glad those teens were a means of grace to you that day.