Resuscitation Renewal and Resurrection

Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: 1 Tm 3:1-13; Ps 101:1b-2ab, 2cd-3ab, 5, 6; Lk 7:11-17
Notes: (playful post – those with a bruised sense of humor please just scroll by)

In a (playful) debate with a fellow deacon we talk about the future of the diaconal order as it is currently constituted. For his part, he believes the jury is still out and it’ll be 500 years before we know the true divine purpose of the rejuvenation of the diaconate in this more permanent way. For my part, I think we are the actual transitional deacons (a twist on terminology between transitional and permanent diaconate as defined now) where we are like the risen dry bones but for a time.

Martyrdom is Key (a pathway foward)

So I further proposed martyrdom and beatification of a permanent deacon is the only true test. But knowing the politics of the matter it would have to be substantial.

LORD, I propose, the following would be required.

A deacon administering Viaticum to a dying patient on an island surrounded by hungry and approaching crocodiles at his feet, lava flowing from the nearby active volcano burning the fringes of the deacons clothes, at the same time, under attack by 300 rebel forces lobbing hand grenades at the sick bed, the two In Communion die. Suddenly the two rise up in spirit to the LORD in full view of rebels and villagers alike. The rebels, having seen the vision, drop their arms and surrender. The rebel leader returns with all the stolen treasure and delivers it to the people. The entire village, all 5,000, are baptized that very day. The End.

But, LORD, even then, they will not listen.

Alternatives From Antiquity

Elijah

He called out to the LORD: “LORD, my God, will you afflict even the widow with whom I am staying by killing her son?” Then he stretched himself out upon the child three times and he called out to the LORD: “LORD, my God, let the life breath return to the body of this child.” The LORD heard the prayer of Elijah; the life breath returned to the child’s body and he lived (1 Kngs 17:20-22).

Elisha

And so Elisha died and was buried.
At that time of year, bands of Moabites used to raid the land.
Once some people were burying a man, when suddenly they saw such a raiding band. So they cast the man into the grave of Elisha, and everyone went off. But when the man came in contact with the bones of Elisha, he came back to life and got to his feet (2 Kngs 13:20-21).

OR, in regards deacons,

People just need to have much confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.

• to know the LORD loves them.
• to know the LORD loves their children, spouses, parents, brothers and sisters; with the host of friends and neighbors.
• to help reunite families divided by any and all causes.
• to be helped when in need.
• to be comforted in their dying.
• to be ready to meet death, our common destiny.

This should be enough.

It is possible these things of Elijah and Elisha, marvelous and the miraculous!

But for the most part: Elijah, Elisha and Jesus do the heavy lifting.

People just need to have much confidence in their [deacon’s] faith in Christ Jesus.

First Reading
Beloved, this saying is trustworthy: whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a noble task. Similarly, deacons must be dignified, not deceitful, not addicted to drink, not greedy for sordid gain, holding fast to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. Moreover, they should be tested first; then, if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. Deacons may be married only once and must manage their children and their households well. Thus those who serve well as deacons gain good standing and much confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.

Responsorial
I will walk with blameless heart.

Of mercy and judgment I will sing;
to you, O LORD, I will sing praise.
I will persevere in the way of integrity;
when will you come to me?

I will walk with blameless heart,
within my house;
I will not set before my eyes
any base thing.

Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret,
him will I destroy.
The man of haughty eyes and puffed up heart
I will not endure.

My eyes are upon the faithful of the land,
that they may dwell with me.
He who walks in the way of integrity
shall be in my service.

Gospel Acclamation
A great prophet has arisen in our midst and God has visited his people.

Gospel
Jesus journeyed to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, “Do not weep.” He stepped forward and touched the coffin; at this the bearers halted, and he said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!” The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry