And other duties as assigned – June 23

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 101, 109:1-4(5-19)20-30; PM Psalm 119:121-144, 1 Samuel 7:2-17; Acts 6:1-15; Luke 22:14-23

In the 1st century, the teaching responsibilities of the apostles were growing quickly. In Acts 6 we read about the Greek Christians who fretted that their needy widows were not getting enough attention and care from the priests. Deacons were instituted to help the apostles in ministry. We need partners in ministry, serving Christ and the people of God. As I think about the charge given to clergy in the entrance into the diaconate and the priesthood, there is a phrase inferred from both services as a cover-all: "and other duties as assigned.” It isn’t just clergy who have this kind of statement included. Other roles you and I fill may also have this expectation to serve, participate, and respond as needs arise.

A couple of weeks ago, it was a slow and quiet afternoon. I picked up my five-year-old from the preschool summer program. He was hanging out in my office while I wrapped up the day’s must-do tasks. Ding! A text message appeared on my phone from Marianne the Saint Stephen’s parish administrator. Depicted in the attachment were the large windows by the double doors downstairs in the church, where we enter by way of the porte cochere and take the elevator or stairs up to the gathering space. Near the center of the picture was a small splash of red. Looking closer, I zoomed in and realized it was a photo of a cardinal inside the church building!

I recalled my childhood when my mom would have to catch and secure the two finches which had been released from the birdcage (in my room) by our mischievous cat Sneakers. Similar to the laundry basket my mom would use to contain the birds, I grabbed a mail basket from the workroom and my cassock (a long black robe, part of liturgical attire). Robinson and I rushed to the bird’s vicinity to assist Marianne.

The cardinal most likely flew inside when the doors were propped open for a delivery, and it was now struggling to get out. It kept flying into windows, hurting itself. Tiny red feathers were wafting down from the ledges high above. It was quite a moment of excitement as we worked to redirect the red bird away from the confusion of the glass windows and toward an exit to the great outdoors. The cardinal finally perched in a windowsill in the hallway.

Marianne opened a door to the patio and stood to the side, blocking the bird from flying back downstairs. I held up my cassock like a large sheet and walked slowly to the window, covering the bird and glass pane. Marianne reached forward and gently cradled the bird in her hands, while nestled in the black fabric of the vestments. The bird cried out frantically and I squealed, standing back. Marianne calmly released the bird, and Robinson proclaimed with glee that the bird flew away safely to the bushes beyond the patio.

By no means is “Bird 911” on my letter of agreement, and yet, ministry is a team sport of engagement, participation, and response. I think responding to bird emergencies falls into that “other” category.

Where ever you are called to serve Christ and all persons today, I pray that you remember to work as a team, improvise when you have to, and feel joy and give thanks to God at all times.

-- Katherine+

Questions for Reflection

Think about a time when you were called to step in or step up to fill a need? What did you do? Who did you help? Who helped you? What did you learn?

Daily Challenge

Review the passage appointed today from Acts 6, and also read The Examination from The Ordination of a Deacon (BCP 543). What stands out to you? Similarities between Holy Scripture and the liturgy of the Book of Common Prayer? What questions do you have? Reach out to one of the Saint Stephen’s clergy with where you are still curious!