Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Third Week of Easter
Today’s first reading we are presented with the martyrdom of Saint Stephen, deacon. See the Book of the Acts of the Apostles chapters 6 & 7.
Since the beginning we have always had deacons. It is the first level of ordination (deacon, priest, bishop). It is an ordination into the diakonia (service among others). Diakonia is an essential part of modeling the life and personhood of Jesus.
Bishops are ordained into the leadership of the Church, safeguarding the people, and the faith from error and novelty. Priests share from the bishop the persona christi (in the person of Christ) in their priestly ministry of healing, forgiveness and Eucharistic joy of the divine presence (He gave them bread from heaven to eat).
We are grateful for this permanent Grace. Jesus lives. Jesus lives in all the baptized.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry