I was catching up on my news from the Vatican this evening and began reading the Holy Father’s message on World Mission Day several days ago. A segment I find particularly apropos to us deacons.
“In truth the whole of humanity has the radical vocation to return to its source, to return to God, since in Him alone can it find fulfillment through the restoration of all things in Christ. Dispersion, multiplicity, conflict and enmity will be healed and reconciled through the blood of the Cross and led back to unity.
“This new beginning can already be seen in the resurrection and exaltation of Christ, who draws all things to himself, renewing them and enabling them to share in the eternal joy of God. The future of the new creation is already shining in our world and, despite contradictions and suffering, it enkindles hope for new life. The Church’s mission is to spread hope ‘contagiously’ among all peoples. This is why Christ calls, justifies, sanctifies and sends his disciples to proclaim the Kingdom of God, so that all nations may become the People of God. It is only in this mission that the true journey of humanity is understood and attested. The universal mission should become a fundamental constant in the life of the Church. Proclamation of the Gospel must be for us, as sit was for the Apostle Paul, a primary and unavoidable duty.” (Italics in original; bold lettering mine)
Let us deacons take seriously and prepare well for our mission to preach the Word. Let us work hard at developing our abilities to preach well and boldly.