“Forgiveness means preparing a welcoming and safe future for us and our communities.”
Forgiveness is therefore an essential part of the Christian vocation, and of the deacons’ ministry, in particular, that “carries them to the peripheries of our world.”
As models’ of forgiveness the Pope referenced David’s loyalty and restraint towards King Saul who persecuted him from today’s first reading; Saint Stephen, and Jesus Himself, who prays for those who crucify Him and offers salvation to the good thief (Luke 23:34, 43).
Selfless service
The Pope then highlighted selfless service, emphasizing Jesus’ words, “Do good and lend, expecting nothing in return” (Luke 6:35).
Recalling that selfless service is “not a secondary aspect” of their activity but “an essential dimension” of their identity Pope Francis encouraged deacons to serve joyfully and with humility without seeking recognition, thus heeding the example of Jesus who teaches us that greatness comes through serving others (Mark 10:45).
“Through your cooperation and generosity, said the Pope, “you will be a bridge linking the altar to the street and the Eucharist to people’s daily lives.”
“Charity will be your most beautiful liturgy and the liturgy your humblest service.”
Communion
The third aspect of gratuity the Pope mentioned was communion, which is “nurtured” by giving freely without expecting anything in return.
Communion, he remarked , is built by extending their mission and embracing the poor, the “treasures of the Church”, as Saint Lawrence, their patron saint said. Deacons express communion by making others feel valued and included, not just with words but through their actions. “Your mission sets you apart from society only to be re-immersed in it in order to enable it to be an ever more open and welcoming place for everyone,” the Pope said.
Humility
Finally Pope Francis turned to those preparing for priesthood, urging them them not to consider their priestly ordination not as a “promotion” to a higher status but rather as a “descent” into humility, because ordination is about lowering oneself to serve others.
Concluding, Pope Francis entrusts deacons to the Virgin Mary, and to Saint Lawrence, their patron so o they may become apostles of forgiveness, selfless servants of our brothers and sisters, and builders of communion. – Vatican News
