Today’s Office of Readings has a selection from St. John Chrysostom and his homily on the Gospel according to Matthew. He writes:
“Conversion by means of your ministry may be possible to others who are in error, but if you fall you will sweep away into ruin all these. The more important the duties that have been given to you, the more effort they require of you.”
The director of the diaconate for our diocese reminded the deacons and candidates that we aren’t ordained to hide from the people. We are to be seen. St. John is getting at this point in his homily when he quotes Matthew’s gospel, “You are the light of the world; you are the salt of the earth. Don’t light a lamp and hide it.”
All to the point that unless we have a fire burning in our hearts for the Lord, unless we are faithful to our relationship with God in prayer, we risk going flat in flavor and being dimly lit. We risk sweeping away with us those to whom we are called to serve and lead.
All the more reason to contemplate the Icon of Jesus the Servant throughout our day.
