Un Viaje hacia la Ordenación

 

Esta última semana en Bennet Lake fue un tiempo profundo de oración, reflexión y preparación. Mientras mi esposa y yo nos uníamos a otras diez parejas de diáconos, nos encontramos rodeados por la tranquilidad de la creación, permitiendo que el silencio hablara a nuestros corazones. Los días estuvieron llenos de la gracia de conversaciones compartidas, silencio contemplativo y orientación espiritual. Nos acercamos no solo el uno al otro, sino también al Señor, quien continúa llamándonos a un servicio más profundo.

La culminación de este retiro, con la celebración de la Eucaristía y la firma de nuestro juramento de fidelidad ante el obispo, fue tanto humillante como inspiradora. Fue un momento en el que el peso y la belleza de esta vocación realmente se hicieron sentir: la responsabilidad de servir, ser testigos vivos del amor de Cristo y caminar fielmente con Su Iglesia.

Reflexionando sobre las lecturas del Vigésimo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, veo una conexión profunda entre nuestra experiencia en el retiro y la sabiduría ofrecida en las Escrituras. Proverbios 9:1-6 habla de la Sabiduría invitando a todos a su mesa, ofreciendo alimento y orientación para una vida bien vivida. Esta imagen resuena profundamente mientras nos preparamos para convertirnos en diáconos. Estamos llamados a invitar a otros al banquete del amor de Dios, ofreciendo no solo la sabiduría humana, sino la sabiduría vivificante que proviene de Cristo mismo.

El Salmo Responsorial, el Salmo 34, nos recuerda que “gusten y vean qué bueno es el Señor.” Durante nuestro retiro, la Eucaristía se convirtió en el centro de nuestros días, alimentando nuestras almas e invitándonos a una intimidad más profunda con Jesús. En Juan 6:51-58, Jesús se declara a sí mismo como el pan vivo, la fuente misma de la vida eterna. Como diáconos, proclamaremos esta verdad y guiaremos a otros a recibir este Pan de Vida, asegurándonos de que nuestro ministerio esté siempre enraizado en la Eucaristía: la verdadera fuente y cumbre de nuestra fe.

La exhortación de San Pablo en Efesios 5:15-20 a vivir sabiamente y aprovechar al máximo nuestro tiempo resonó en mí. Mientras nos preparamos para asumir nuestros nuevos roles, es un llamado a ser vigilantes, discernir y estar llenos del Espíritu. El retiro nos permitió reenfocar nuestra atención en lo que realmente importa: caminar en la voluntad de Dios, dar gracias y servir con corazones llenos de gozo y humildad.

Esta semana fue un tiempo de transformación. Fue un momento para hacer una pausa y escuchar la invitación de la Sabiduría, para experimentar la bondad del Señor y para comprometernos nuevamente con la misión que tenemos por delante. En 19 días, el 7 de septiembre, finalmente traeremos a su culminación cuatro años de formación cuando seamos ordenados al diaconado. Ese día, nos presentaremos ante la Iglesia, recibiremos la imposición de manos y se nos encomendará el llamado a servir en el altar, proclamar el Evangelio y cuidar al pueblo de Dios, especialmente a los más necesitados.

Si te gustaría asistir a este evento, me encantaría que estuvieras allí para ser testigo de esta ocasión el 7 de septiembre de 2024 a las 10 a.m. en la Iglesia de St. Monica en Whitefish Bay. 

Por favor, avísame y estaré encantado de enviarte una invitación y boleto. 

Gracias por tus oraciones y apoyo durante estos últimos cuatro años; tu aliento ha sido una gran fuente de fortaleza en este camino.

A Journey Toward Ordination and Service

 

This past week at Bennet Lake was a time of prayer, reflection, and preparation. As my wife and I joined ten other deacon-candidate couples, we found ourselves surrounded by the tranquility of creation, allowing the stillness to speak to our hearts. The days were filled with the grace of shared conversations, contemplative silence, and spiritual guidance. We drew closer not only to each other but also to the Lord, who continues to call us into deeper service.

The culmination of this retreat, with the celebration of the Eucharist and the signing of our oath of fidelity before the bishop, was both humbling and awe-inspiring. It was a moment where the weight and beauty of this vocation truly sank in—the responsibility to serve, to be living witnesses of Christ’s love, and to walk faithfully with His Church.

Reflecting on the readings for the readings from Sunday, I see a profound connection between our retreat experience and the wisdom offered in the Scriptures. Proverbs 9:1-6 speaks of Wisdom inviting all to her table, offering nourishment and guidance for a life lived well. This imagery resonates deeply as we prepare to become deacons. We are called to invite others to the banquet of God’s love, offering not merely human wisdom, but the life-giving wisdom that comes from Christ Himself.

The Responsorial Psalm, Psalm 34, reminds us to “taste and see the goodness of the Lord.” During our retreat, the Eucharist became the center of our days, nourishing our souls and inviting us into deeper intimacy with Jesus. 

In John 6:51-58, Jesus declares Himself to be the living bread, the very source of eternal life. As deacons, we will proclaim this truth and guide others to receive this Bread of Life, ensuring that our ministry is always rooted in the Eucharist—the true source and summit of our faith.

St. Paul’s exhortation in Ephesians 5:15-20 to live wisely and make the most of our time struck a chord with me. As we prepare to step into our new roles, it is a call to be vigilant, discerning, and filled with the Spirit. The retreat allowed us to refocus our attention on what truly matters: walking in God’s will, giving thanks, and serving with hearts filled with joy and humility.

This week was a time of transformation. It was a moment to pause and hear Wisdom’s invitation, to experience the Lord’s goodness, and to recommit ourselves fully to the mission ahead. In 19 days, on September 7th, we will finally bring to fruition four years of formation as we are ordained to the diaconate. On that day, we will stand before the Church, receive the laying on of hands, and be entrusted with the call to serve at the altar, proclaim the Gospel, and care for God’s people, especially those most in need.

If you would like to attend this event, I would love to have you there to witness this occasion on September 7, 2024, at 10 a.m. at St. Monica Church in Whitefish Bay. 

Please let me know, and I’ll be happy to send you an invitation and ticket. 

Thank you for your prayers and support these last four years—your encouragement has been a great source of strength on this journey.

Have a blessed week!

Taste and See the Goodness of the Lord: An Invitation to My Diaconate Ordination

 

This week, the nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary time, as I have been reflecting on the readings, I am struck by the psalmist's words, "Taste and see the goodness of the Lord." This invitation to experience God's goodness resonates deeply with me as I approach a significant milestone in my journey—my ordination to the Diaconate on September 7, 2024.

The story of Elijah in the first reading, where he finds sustenance in the wilderness, reminds me of the many moments in my formation where I have felt the need for God's strength. Just as the angel provided Elijah with food for his journey, I have been nourished by the prayers, support, and encouragement from all of you, my parish community. Your kindness has been a source of sustenance, helping me persevere in my studies and spiritual growth.

In St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians, we are reminded not to grieve the Holy Spirit but to live a life of love, imitating Christ. This call to live as Christ lived is at the heart of the Diaconate. I have spent these years in formation learning what it means to serve others with the love and humility of Jesus. Now, as ordination draws near, I feel an even deeper call to embody this selfless love in every aspect of my ministry.

Finally in the Gospel this week, it  challenges us with the words of Jesus: "I am the bread that came down from heaven." Christ offers Himself as the true sustenance for our souls, just as He will continue to sustain me in my future ministry as a deacon. The Eucharist has been central to my formation, a constant reminder of the source of all grace and the model of service that I aspire to follow.

As I reflect on these readings, I am filled with gratitude for the journey that has brought me here.

And so it is with great honor that I invite you all to my upcoming ordination to the Diaconate on September 7, 2024, at St. Monica’s Church, 5681 N. Santa Monica Blvd, Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. 

The ordination Mass will begin at 10 a.m. Please note that the ordination Mass requires a general seating ticket. If you would like to attend, kindly RSVP by calling the parish office, and I will ensure your ticket is available for pick-up at the St. Richard Parish Office.

In the afternoon, I will celebrate my Mass of Thanksgiving during the 4 p.m. Mass at St. Richard Church, located at 1509 Grand Avenue. 

This Mass is open to everyone and does not require a ticket. However, as there will be a reception following the Mass, I would appreciate your RSVP for the food count.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the community for your support during my formation years. Your prayers have been the angelic bread that has sustained me. I am looking forward to serving you as your deacon. I hope you will join my family and me on September 7 to celebrate this joyous occasion, as together, we continue to "taste and see the goodness of the Lord."