Location: Our Lady’s Chapel at Assumption Seminary
As we gather today to celebrate the institution of Acolytes and Lectors, let us reflect on the profound demands of God’s love in our lives, particularly in the sacred tasks entrusted to these ministries. The Word of God, as we heard in the readings, is not distant or inaccessible; it is near, written on our hearts, and it calls us to live out its truth with sincerity and devotion.
In the first reading from Deuteronomy, Moses reminds the people that God’s commandments are not beyond reach. They are “already in your mouths and in your hearts; you have only to carry it out.” This is a powerful reminder for all of us, but especially for those who are called to the ministries of Acolyte and Lector. To serve at the altar and proclaim the Word is not just a duty; it is an invitation to embody the very love and wisdom of God in our lives.
This means that the words we proclaim must resonate within us, transforming our hearts before they reach the ears of the faithful.
Today, the Church celebrates the memory of Saint Monica. Her persistent prayer and unwavering faith led to the conversion of her son, Saint Augustine. She provides a beautiful example of this lived faith. Monica’s love was demanding – it required patience, perseverance, and a deep trust in God’s promises. Yet, her faith was not just a personal piety; it was an active witness that communicated the truth of the Gospel to those around her. Like Monica, Acolytes and Lectors are called to witness the transformative power of God’s Word, not only in the liturgy but in the way they live their daily lives.
In the Gospel, we see the disciples on the road to Emmaus, their eyes opened to the presence of Christ in the breaking of the bread. This Eucharistic encounter reveals that Christ is truly present among us, and it is through the Word and Sacrament that we come to recognize Him. As Lectors and Acolytes, your role is crucial in helping the community encounter Christ. Through your proclamation of the Scriptures and your service at the altar, you will make the presence of Christ known, inviting the faithful to a deeper communion with Him.
However, this calling is not without its demands. To live what we celebrate and communicate the faith authentically, we must allow the Word of God to challenge and change us. We must be willing, like Monica, to embrace the demands of love, to persevere in prayer, and to serve with humility and joy. The example of the early community of believers is as relevant today as it was then. As Pope Francis has said: “Only a great spiritual and social covenant born from the heart and centered on fraternity can restore the sacredness and inviolability of human dignity as the core of relationships.” In embracing the demands of love running from the Eucharistic table, we fulfill the commandment that is already in our hearts, bringing the light of Christ to the world.
May God bless all of you who are called to these sacred ministries, may the example of Saint Monica inspire you to live out your calling with the same faith, hope, and love that she so beautifully exemplified, and may you always experience the closeness and protection of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
