Deacons are helpers.

We often hear on the radio how different organizations or people publish their `Magna Charta,’ which is loosely translated: their plan of inner attitude to action. In today’s first reading, we also heard about one such charter. It was not, however, issued by any secular organization but was spoken by the apostles concerning those who were to become deacons: `Let us seek out from among ourselves seven approved men, full of the Spirit and wisdom.'” So, these are the three basic requirements.

A proven man – who is that in today’s world? One who passes the lustration of the law? One who has been vetted and cleared by the National Security Bureau? One who is not found in the files of the FBI?

That would be a proven man by mundane criteria. But an established man of Scripture is a man of discernment, truthfulness, steadfastness in speech and deed, and above all, humility. According to the world, a wise man should have at least three doctorates and be a professor. The apostles, however, emphasized wisdom not learned but lived: the knowledge of the heart. The Spirit is full of love, forgiveness, mercy, and justice.

This is what a deacon should be, but all Christians should be. These are the conditions that must be present, not just in deacons but in all of us, because we are all called to ministry in our way.

A beautiful example of this was one of the deacons we read about – St. Stephen. A man of proven worth, who, with the wisdom of the heart that surpassed the knowledge of the scribes’ minds, praised and glorified God and followed the Truth, even when it cost him his life.

In the words of John Paul II: “Do not be afraid”; let us also strive to become men of wisdom, proven and full of the Spirit.