Custodians

In my deacon class on Saturday, we learned a lot about the theology of ministry and orders and in specific the role of the deacon. Something caught my attention. It maybe just went by the others but in one document it said that the deacon is the presenter and custodian on the Eucharist. It is the word custodian that struck me. not so much at first but it kept coming back to me. What does that mean to be the custodian of the Eucharist?

I usually think of a custodian in context of school custodian. That is someone who cleans the school. Not all that glamorous. The dictionary defines custodian as: a person who has responsibility for or looks after something. Some synonyms for custodian are: keeper, protector, guardian and steward. Honestly, I like the synonyms better but perhaps custodian is the better word. For me, the word custodian implies a role requiring more humility and servitude. Perhaps that is why the word captivates me more. The role of a deacon will certainly require more humility and servant attitude from me.

When I stop to think of Eucharist as the body of Christ and then put with that the words; keeper, protector, guardian and steward, I understand the noble cause for which I may be appointed. 

The Knights of Columbus talk about knighthood in service to our King and the importance of constantly forming yourself in the faith. A knight was to always be ready to defend, protect and guard their king. How much more so for us as custodians on our Lord Jesus Christ.

I would be lying if I said I feel worthy of such responsibility. It is a great honor to even be considered for such an honor.

The other day we were having praise and worship at our church. After some praise and worship time, the Blessed Sacrament is exposed for adoration. Our deacon was unable to make it that night so I was asked to bring Jesus from the tabernacle to the monstrance. I said, yes but then immediately felt unworthy as I realized that I would be carrying Jesus in my hands. 

I prayed the whole time leading up the moment that I would be able to worthily present Jesus to all who were present. So, I left the youth room, called the Upper Room(because it is upstairs) to go the chapel to get Jesus from the tabernacle and carry him to the Upper Room. I was overcome with emotion as I realized the symbolism that these actions carried with them. I was carrying Jesus to the Upper Room. To say the least, it was a very moving experience.

Pilgrimage

I have had a book on my shelf for about a year now. It is called, "Hiking The Camino" by Father Dave Pivonka. He had come to our church to put on a mission. It was a wonderful time and I was drawn in by a few of the details he had given about his 500 mile walk on the Camino. 

I bought the book, got it autographed, took it home and there it sat for about a year now. Two days ago I suddenly had the urge to pick it up and start reading it. You know, I think God had me wait until this particular time to start this book. His timing is perfect! 

The book chronicles his pilgrimage walking across Spain to the burial place of St. James. I am just starting my journey in formation to the diaconate. While maybe not a pilgrimage in the strictest sense, I find myself meditating on the similarities between the two journeys. 

I am about halfway through the book and I find many of his insights beneficial and similar to my thoughts going into this formation process. Already, this first month has me doing something every Saturday. Fr. Dave's story reminds me of why I am doing this. I do it all for my king. It is for Jesus and my desire to move closer to his will that I do this.

The hectic first month of formation has me a bit frazzled and having a bit of a pity party. Thank you, Fr. Dave for reminding me that I have to let it go and focus on the reason that I am doing this.

This Is What You Must Do To Have An Effective Ministry

Romans 12:2 Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that you may judge what is God’s will, what is good, pleasing and perfect.

About a year ago I was praying one day and got a sentence pretty clear. 

This is what you must do to have an effective ministry.

 Being a fairly normal man, I blew it off. The next day I was praying again and same thing.

This is what you must do to have an effective ministry.

Now, it is curious. But still I kind of blow it off. Third day I decide to pray again.

This is what you must do to have an effective ministry.

Now, I think this is really cool. God's thinks I have a ministry. But what is that ministry? it doesn't really matter what it is just that fact that I have one is comforting. I guess we all have one but it is nice to hear.

But what is, this, that I must do? I spent a few day meditating and praying on this one. It dawned on me that I had been having a feeling that I needed to be forming myself more, I needed to be more knowledgeable of my faith. 

A few days later I found out that the time for applying to the diaconate was now. Well, that would certainly help me become more knowledgeable. And, I had considered becoming a deacon off and on for many years. So, the time seemed right, I applied, was accepted and have now started the formation process.

Please pray for me that I may know what is God's will for my life. I will also pray for you to know God's will in your lives.

We're Not In Kansas Anymore!

So, let's get the New Year reflection post out of the way.  Last year was a heck of a year, full of many twists and turns. It was definitely quite a tornado of events.

I submitted my application for the diaconate. It is a long and tedious process(probably needs to be that way). But I got through it all and have been accepted into the formation process. I know God's is walking with me on this one and I will be OK no matter what happens. I will have formation classes every other Saturday for the next 5 years or so. Pray for me.

I submitted myself to getting in shape. I started a plan to live healthier and lose weight in April. I started running in June. I have run a few races and plan to run a half marathon eventually. I have lost about 30 pounds and feel great expect for a few aches and pains resulting from old injuries. I am now lighter than I was in high school. Crazy!

I started a new job right before the end of the year and I love it. Truly believe that God brought me to this company at this time.

I became a grandfather(relatively young grandfather). Being a grandparent is probably one of the best things ever. I only wish I got to see him more. My grandson was born on Memorial Day. We all drove to Dallas that day to see him.