Dcn. Matthew Trovato, OSFS, at his diaconate ordination with Bishop Michael Fitzgerald of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, family, and friends.

Anyone who has asked me recently, “How is life as a deacon?” has probably gotten my stock answer: “It’s been a month and I haven’t messed it up yet!” Of course, that’s not entirely true. You should see me fumbling around the altar some mornings, trying to remember which chalice to put where, where to stand, and (my personal favorite), remembering to turn on my microphone in time for my big line, “Let us offer one another the sign of peace!” I am still learning!

The Church envisions the diaconate as a threefold ministry of service, including the service at the altar, service of the Word of God, and service of charity to God’s people (Lumen Gentium, §19). In fact, the very word “deacon” comes from diakonia, meaning “service.” As preparation for the priesthood, the transitional diaconate is a great training ground for ministry, and Our Mother of Consolation Parish (Philadelphia) is certainly an ideal place for this training. Teaching, preaching, serving, and the preparation for those duties tend to occupy my time these days.

Of all these activities, I find myself very much at home reflecting on the Word of God and wondering how to render this Word intriguing, life-giving, or encouraging for others. The desire to re-enchant the world of the scriptures for those who have heard these stories many times before invites me to deeper prayer and reading.

The reminder that all of this is in service to others prevents me from digging for new insights merely for the sake of having something interesting to say, and instead leads me to ask, “What do human hearts long for? What spiritual need is present in the world today? And how can these scriptures set us on a path toward a meaningful encounter with God that fulfills those desires?” This reminder about service also reinforces the number one rule of preaching: If your lifestyle does not match your message, no one will give much attention to your words.

The practice of Lectio Divina, praying with a passage of scripture, has been a regular part of my life for the past four years. As with all kinds of prayer, it is not directed toward knowledge but relationship. This trajectory towards unity with God by familiarizing ourselves with Him through his words causes us, too, to become a “word of God.” In ministering to others, when shaped by the Word, we become the word that speaks to others in their current need.

This is what happens when, as Paul says, the word of Christ dwells in you (Col. 3:16). Then we need only continue to nourish that inner life and watch God work.

In this introductory experience of ministry as a deacon, I see how the gifts of seminary and Oblate formation find their intended outlet in the rewarding experience of working toward the spiritual well-being of those in our parish community. This past month is only the beginning of this service. As I continue, I look forward to the ways in which the Word of God will illuminate from within the most ordinary moments of encounter and reveal how life lived from the inner room, where God dwells, transmits that presence to others.