Diaconate Ordination of Nelson Rubio

Published: December 17, 2016

Bishop Anthony B. Taylor preached the following homily at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Hot Springs Village on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016.

Bishop Taylor

Nelson, you are a brave man to choose that first reading for your diaconal ordination in a retirement community like Hot Springs Village. Elderly Abraham and Sarah find out that they're about to have a baby!

The text says that Sarah laughed and said dismissively, "Now that I am so old and withered" — that's not the sort of thing retirees like to be reminded of — "and my husband is so old, am I still to have sexual pleasure?"

Nelson, remember, you're about to promise celibacy! But of course, all humor aside, this story really means that God fulfills his promises. He had promised Abraham and Sarah that they would have a son, and now this promise is about to come true quite unexpectedly through the birth of Isaac. God keeps his promises and so his great work of salvation continues to unfold.

The Gospel you chose is inspiring too. This is the first time I can remember anyone choosing the story of Martha and Mary for their ordination.

Which one of them do you identify with? I know that despite your physical limitations, you are a hard worker like Martha who was so busy with all the details of hospitality.

And you are quite obviously also a person of prayer like Mary, who sat at Jesus' feet listening to his words. So I take it that you chose this reading to remind yourself and us that there is a certain balance that has to be struck in ordained ministry.

What the Benedictines call "ora et labora" although by "labora" they often mean manual work. But in any event, notice that prayer — "ora" — comes before "labora".

And this prayer is not only for the purpose of praising God or making requests of God or even discerning what God wants us to do — getting our marching orders, so to speak — though of course all this is included.

But even more this "ora" is for the purpose of getting to know Jesus himself, personally, as your constant companion and friend. Spend time at his feet like Mary did, hang out with him as much as you can — one hour a day, a daily holy hour — and you will get to know Jesus well, how he thinks.

And a friendship with him will continue to deepen within you that will change you in unexpected ways, in ways that you could never have planned but will be obvious to everyone who knows you.

And, of course, since with Guillaume-Barré sitting for extended periods of time can become painful, standing in his presence or even laying on the floor at his feet instead of sitting is just fine. The important thing is to spend time with him every day.

And as you already know from your experience in seminary, with Guillaume-Barré you will also have to adjust your work load and your work expectations to the reality of your physical condition.

If you do so, your ministry will be fruitful indeed. As we all know very well, some of our most effective and inspiring priests live with chronic pain and increasing physical limitations. All the Lord asks is that you serve him with sacrificial love.

Nelson, as a deacon you commit yourself to serve others as Jesus did — with self-sacrificing love. If you do the will of God joyfully, generously and courageously, the brilliance of the light emanating from your ministry will grow more and more.

I want you to know how proud we are of you and how grateful we are to you for having come all the way from Venezuela to serve us. I also want you to know of the great hopes we have for you and your ministry. I can assure you of the love and support of your brothers in ministry and of the people of God in general — you already feel this so tangibly in the love and support of the people of Hot Springs Village.

And in the support of those who have traveled all the way from Milwaukee to be with us today — thank you for your presence. Nelson, may God strengthen you for the commitment you make today. And I look forward to the day in the not-too-distant future when I will be able to ordain you to be not only a deacon, but also a priest!