In this series of “Belovedness,” we highlight deacons’ ministries in the diocese. In the past couple of years, we have been enlightened by stories of ministries to immigrants, the hungry, veterans dealing with post traumatic stress, the list goes on. We will continue to do that and at the same time, I’d like to hit the pause button and take a minute to share a thought.
I was on a plane recently traveling to spend time with family and friends. We had taken off from Reagan National Airport and were on top of the clouds. The intercom came on with that familiar beeping sound and the flight attendant began her announcement about the in-flight service. She was describing the offerings of drinks and snacks. Then she added the qualifier. She added the rule.
“If you want a drink or snack, you need to lower your tray table.”
At first, I didn’t think anything of this. In fact, I reached towards the little clasp that held my tray table in place and lowered the tray to indicate that a Diet Coke would be great, thank you.
As I waited for the flight attendant and beverage cart to come down the aisle towards me, I got to thinking about this rule or this qualifier of lowering my tray in order to be served. Not in the context of having to comply to get a Diet Coke, but instead wondering if we have similar rules when it comes to sharing the love of Jesus with others.
On the sixth Sunday of Easter, in the gospel reading from John (John 13:31-35), Jesus says to his disciples, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you should also love one another. By this, everyone will know you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
The tray table is a metaphor for us. Just like it is a sign of wanting a refreshment, the sign that shows others we are disciples is a very simple thing we do: love like Jesus loved.
In the ordination vows for deacons, they are asked two things that are in direct relationship with this love. “Will you look for Christ in all others, being ready to help and serve those in need?”
And, the second question they are asked in their examination from the bishop is, “Will you do your best to pattern your life in accordance with the teachings of Christ?”
These questions are not so different from the ones that we say and re-commit to each time we say the Baptismal Covenant. And friends, they are rooted in this love that Jesus describes to the disciples that night at the last supper.
If you want a drink and a snack on the plane, lower your tray table. If you want to be recognized as a disciple of Jesus Christ, you don’t have to say you are, you just need to love. That’s it, just love. It is the very heart of belovedness.
