Today’s Readings - Isaiah 58:1-12 Psalm 103:1-6 Romans 16:1-2, 25-27 Matthew 14:13-21
Today in the Episcopal Church we remember the life and work of Adeline Blanchard Tyler. If you’re like me you’ve never heard of Adeline before today. She is remembered as the first Deaconess in the Episcopal Church, admitted to the office on November 4, 1856. She along with several other Deaconesses provided nursing care, religious and practical education, material support, and advocacy at the newly established St. Andrew's Infirmary in Baltimore. She went on to serve in other hospitals. Adeline took on a great deal of responsibility during the Civil war; at one time she and the other deaconesses cared for over 1,000 patients. There is no evidence that they were ordained into the vocational deaconate as deacons are today, however, they were in every other sense of the word a true deacon.
When I went through discernment for the priesthood in Mississippi, I had never met a deacon. I had no idea what deacons did or how they fit into ministry. Much of what I knew about the priesthood could also be used to describe what I know now as a deacon’s role. The priests I had known went into the community bringing back ideas, opportunities and a broader more informed perspective to the members of their congregation. They worked with the homeless, in shelters and soup kitchens, they were teachers and they ministered to the sick, the friendless and the needy.
When I moved to Alabama I met my first deacon. Now I can’t imagine the church functioning without them. Deacons are an invaluable member of our clergy, doing the work that parish priests often end up too busy to accomplish. Their presence in the community as the hands and feet of Christ are an invaluable expression of service as Christ envisioned it. Their service on Sunday is also a gift. Whether at the table, reading the gospel, or sending us out into the world, they are an important reminder of the service to which Christ calls us all.
The gospel from Matthew for Adeline’s day is Christ feeding the multitude. What if each of those there had taken it upon themselves to share from the small amounts they had. What if there were those in the crowd, who like deacons chose to serve the strangers who had nothing, the ones who were sick and had come hoping for healing, the ones who were there because they had nowhere else to go, homeless and looking to find something that could bring them hope. Might their efforts have contributed to the miracle?
In some way isn’t the presence of Christ that we find today emanating from the generosity of the human spirit in the midst of desolation, a bit of a miracle? Those who put their lives at risk serving in war zones to provide medical care, those who work in aids clinics and with victims of physical and sexual abuse. None of these jobs are glamorous or come with an annual bonus or a hefty 401K.
When I think of the deacons in my life whose humble service has left me in awe, I know they are a bit of a miracle. Serving without compensation or even an expectation of thanks; loving what they do with a passion that so many are missing. In this world where everything seems to have a price tag and worth is calculated in dollar signs their worth is calculated in the number of lives they touch, the homeless they care for, the hungry they feed, and those who they inspire to a life of service.
Today I give thanks for Adeline and for all of those she inspired, for the deacons who have inspired me and for all the deacons who selflessly serve the children of God. May we all strive to “Go in peace, to love and serve the Lord.” Thanks be to God.
Faithfully,
Sally+
Questions for Reflection and Challenge - How might you serve in the manner of a deacon? As we approach Advent, and we begin preparing for the coming of Christ, giving of ourselves to others is a wonderful way to remember the example Christ set. The Saint Stephen’s Outreach team offers numerous ways to get hands-on involved in our community. Reach out to Sally, sally@ssechurch.org to learn more.