Florida Catholic | Bishop Barbarito’s Column

Believe what you teach

Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito’s homily on the occasion of the permanent diaconate ordination, Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola, Sept. 6.

Published: 09.09.08

As preachers of the word, our preaching should always be directed to the change we need to undergo in our own lives.

Today, eight men from various backgrounds and different areas of our diocese will be ordained to serve as permanent deacons. They have worked hard to come to this day and we rejoice with them as they undertake this new responsibility of service in their lives. The Holy Spirit has been an integral part of their discernment and preparation. He will continue to be with them in the future as he is called down upon them in a unique manner today.

On the eve of our diocese entering the 25th year of its existence, these men are ordained deacons during the Year of St. Paul, which was invoked by our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, to mark the 2,000th anniversary of his birth. St. Paul, the fearless apostle and great missionary of the church, has a great deal to say to these eight men, to all deacons and, indeed, to all of us. St. Paul speaks by his words but, most especially, by the example of his life.

Significantly, St. Paul is introduced to us in the Acts of the Apostles through one of seven original deacons, St. Stephen. Stephen, whom St. Luke, the author of the Acts of the Apostles, describes as “a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit,” is truly carrying out his ministry as a deacon by preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ and accusing those who rejected Christ as also rejecting Moses and the prophets. Stephen’s words are so piercing that he is put to death for them by those to whom his words are directed. He becomes the first martyr of the church and dies, like Christ, forgiving his executioners.

At the moment of Stephen’s death, St. Paul enters the scene. St. Paul is one of those to whom Stephen’s words are addressed. We are told that as Stephen utters his dying words of forgiveness and becomes the first martyr, Paul approves of his execution. The deacon-martyr provides the transition in the vision of St. Luke from the preaching of Jesus to the preaching of Paul. From the time of St. Stephen’s death, St. Paul undertakes the road to Damascus to continue his persecution, but it is on the road that the process of his conversion begins. It is almost as if Stephen’s words and death are the cause of Paul’s conversion. Paul moves from being a persecutor of Christians to being a fearless apostle of Christ who will go to his own death in the fashion of Stephen. Through the mysterious grace and wisdom of God, St. Stephen is the pivot of this.

In this comes St. Paul’s first example to all of us. We need to change and to be converted. As preachers of the word, our preaching should always be directed to the change we need to undergo in our own lives. Our preaching is first to ourselves. St. Paul relied upon the mercy and forgiveness of Christ, which he proclaimed to others. He was convinced of God’s love because he experienced it. He knew that God’s wisdom was greater than his folly and God’s strength was more powerful than his weakness. He knew that the Lord would continue to change and convert him and that he was merely an instrument used by God. St. Paul lived well the meaning of the words you will hear today when the Book of Gospels is handed to you: “Receive the Gospel of Christ whose herald you have become. Believe what you read, teach what you believe and practice what you teach.”

From this we come to a second example from the ministry of St. Paul that is significant for deacons. Paul was not the best of preachers. That may be surprising, but it is true. Our Holy Father himself referred to this reality when he introduced the Year of St. Paul. However, Paul lived intensely what he believed and that was his most effective preaching. We are most familiar with St. Paul’s letters, a significant part of the New Testament. While they are well crafted, they are letters and not delivered homilies. We read them with the realization of the faith-filled conviction for which the great apostle is so well known. We can almost experience the depth of his faith.

Perhaps some of you who are to be ordained are hesitant at the thought of preaching. Despite the preparation you have undergone, you may be concerned as to how your preaching will come across and if it will be effective. Keep in mind that the effectiveness of a homily is in its preparation, in that it is preached to yourself and, most importantly, in that it is lived. Again the words you will hear this morning when you receive the Book of Gospels are so significant: “Receive the Gospel of Christ whose herald you have become. Believe what you read, teach what you believe and practice what you teach.”

St. Paul in his letters many times speaks of the primacy of ministry and service. Service is the root meaning of the word “deacon.” You are to be ministers and servants to others and that means recognizing the ministry and service of others. The deacon ministers in a special way by coordinating the gifts which others have received in order to build up the body of Christ. St. Paul speaks of the variety of gifts which the Holy Spirit gives to different members of the church. While all do not have the same gifts, all have gifts which work for the common good. If St. Paul’s gift was primarily not that of preaching, his use of his other gifts and his recognizing the gifts of others certainly made it seem as though it was. Paul is a great example to all of us in this regard.

Finally, St. Paul did speak directly to deacons. He was quite familiar with them and the importance of their ministry. He says, “Deacons must be dignified, not deceitful, not addicted to drink, not greedy for sordid gain, holding fast to the mystery of faith with a clear conscience. Moreover, they should be tested first; then, if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons” (1Tm 3:10).

My brothers, you have been tested during the past years and are now found ready to serve as deacons. The Holy Spirit has led you through this test. You will continue to be tested through the many trials of life and through the sacred ministry you will undertake. Through the grace of orders, the Holy Spirit will continue to guide and strengthen you. Keep the example of St. Paul, in whose year you are ordained, before you. His relationship to St. Stephen and his witness of selfless service are very significant for you. Continue to change and to be converted, always relying on the mercy and grace of Christ. Preach always first to yourself and live the faith you proclaim. Serve by respecting and bringing forth the gifts of others for the good of the church. Service in this manner will bring you the joy and peace of which St. Paul so often spoke and will be a tremendous gift for the good of our diocese.

I wish to thank your wives and families for the support they have and will continue to give to you. I thank Deacon Dennis Demes for his outstanding ministry to you and for his coordinating of our fine program of preparation. I also thank the faculty and staff of St. Vincent de Paul Seminary for accommodating this program. Their participation makes it one of the best in the country. I thank Deacon Sam Barbaro, delegate for deacons, and all of our deacons for the continuing support they will give you, as well as our priests who have and will continue to support you in so many ways. In your being tested you have relied upon many whom you will continue to rely. As you do this and as the Holy Spirit is sent forth upon you today to strengthen you by the gift of his sevenfold grace, may you carry out the work of the ministry faithfully and joyfully.

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