Meditation Two: Agents of Love
‘Deacons are called to work with the Bishop and the priests with whom they serve as heralds of Christ’s kingdom. They are to proclaim the gospel in word and deed, as agents of God’s purposes of love.’ (Ordination of Deacons)
The Bishop continues to describe the role and mission of deacons, saying, ‘They are to proclaim the gospel in word and deed, as agents of God’s purposes of love’
The diaconal vocation is the proclamation of the ‘gospel.’ This word, rooted in the scriptures, has to do with a public announcement, a public proclamation that has less to do with private opinion and more to do with a news item of great significance.
In the words of Isaiah the prophet, the good news is that YHWH, the Creator God worthy of all worship, is returning to his people to save, bring shalom, and reign and rule.
‘How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news (LXX euangelion), who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings (euangelion), who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!”’
In the Roman world, some saw the Roman Empire and the emperor as good news (euangelion) for the world.
But in contrast to this, the early church proclaimed that the gospel is intimately bound up with the penniless preacher from Nazareth, who, although crucified, is now raised to life and is none other than the world’s true Lord and King. Along with Isaiah, we may say that the gospel is the proclamation that YHWH has returned to Zion in human form, that peace and salvation are found in and through the one who was crucified and raised to life.
In contrast to the Roman imperial narrative – PAX Romana with a focus on Caesar – the early church lived and enacted a better story, centred on Jesus, in which sin, death, and Satan are defeated by the world’s true King, Jesus, who will bring about the reconciliation of the cosmos.
My diaconal calling is rooted in the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus, offering a compelling gospel narrative that stands as an alternative to the prevailing forces of dominance – a narrative shaped by the example of Jesus himself, one that provides an antidote to the excesses of unchecked capitalism, consumerism, and individualism.
Echoing the words of the Apostle Paul, ‘I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation.’
This proclamation by deacons is not confined to mere words; it is a holistic endeavour that involves both verbal expression through preaching and dialogue, as well as living a life that authentically embodies the message. The deacon is not merely a vocal proclaimer but strives to lead a life that reflects and amplifies the message.
This proclamation of the gospel in both word and deed is undertaken as agents and emissaries of God’s redemptive love. In a world overshadowed by darkness and influenced by chaotic forces, the insurgency of the Kingdom has begun. As agents of the Kingdom, we endeavour to shine as beacons of light, reenacting the vision and values of our commander-in-chief, Jesus.
This holy revolution is characterized by non-violence and an abundance of selfless, sacrificial love. Expanding the Kingdom, the Father’s reign and rule, is inextricably linked to the spread of love, making the tender embrace of Jesus tangible.
In my own ministry at Lighthouse, we have discovered the profound truth that ‘in the presence of love, there is always change.’ We’ve witnessed that: as we both offer and receive love, miracles of transformation unfailingly occur.
Human beings are inherently wired for love; from the moment of our birth, we yearn for love and connection. In the presence of genuine love, we rediscover our true humanity and fulfil our intended purpose.
The miracle of love sometimes manifests as swift, dramatic transformations: but more often, it is a gradual metamorphosis. Vulnerable adults, made in the image of God, are lovingly moulded over time, by a blend of divine and human love, into something more beautiful and whole.
I have come to realize that the role of a deacon involves opening oneself to divine love, allowing it to fill us and flow through us—a love that finds expression in both words and actions.
Father of Creation,
God on a Mission,
You have called us as deacons to proclaim the gospel
as emissaries of love.
By your Spirit, empower us in word and deed
to perform and participate in this miracle of love.
Amen.
Meditation by Rev Jon Swales
(image with thanks to http://www.ministrymatters.com)
CofE Network of Distinctive Deacons 