Diakonia, was described as the normal manner of loving by Pope Paul VI (then Archbishop Montini) at an ordination in Milan on June 26, 1955.
Diaconal service is the norm for all loving in the Church.
That statement is pregnant with meaning, from which a great theology is being developed.
Here are his words:
“The normal manner of loving others is that of placing oneself at their service, of being from this day forward at their disposition, of not being able anymore of saying no, of being in their midst not as one who comes to be served, but to serve. So said the Lord: “Non veni ministrari sed ministrare”. I did not come so that others may be inconvenienced or that they may care for my well-being or happiness, but I am ordered to the happiness, well-being and salvation of others.” — Montini 1955
My bishop during my pre-ordination interview reminded me that after ordination, I would be a public figure. I would be at the service of others. My life was to become one of life poured out for the sake of others.
He also reminded me of the necessity of protecting my marriage from the demands of diakonia to the larger community.
How can one do both?
The answer comes, partially at least, from recognizing the diakonia of marriage. One cannot be a good deacon to the larger community if one is not a very good deacon to one’s wife and family.
Part of the answer comes too, I believe, from recognizing how my diaconal calling flows from the strength of my marriage and harmonizing the graces of marriage with the graces of ordination.
Diaconal service is the norm for all in the Church. Makes sense doesn’t it, when one reflects on the fact that Jesus is the norm for all of us. Jesus the Servant.
