The Eden (meaning pleasantness
according to Hebrew translation) of life is filled with distracting trees
bearing fruits of destruction. In Genesis, we find evidence of a forbidden fruit
plucked with prideful hands and its core twice bitten by teeth stained with
disobedience. Yet, our loving and awesome God is still calling women and men
from shameful hiding to green pastures to reveal and share our original
goodness, divine likeness and immortal image.
Sisters and brothers, it is an honor to be presented
with many others this spring to receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders as
Transitional Deacons. My journey toward this moment in affiliation with the
Archdiocese of Louisville began initially in 2002 and officially in 2005 after
completing military service. Answering this call has been a long exodus filled
with many mental, physical, and spiritual challenges, yet I still can hear God
calling, not only me but the entire Christian Community to a place of holy
wholesomeness and sweet salvation.
God is calling all of us out of a place of fear and
confusion to a place of peace and creativity. Listen to this call for us to
reject death and accept a spiritual life with God through the vocations of
marriage and priesthood. Those who have ears, hear the call for all men and
women to bathe in waters of baptism to obtain the garment of righteousness. Some
may question why Christianity? Why Catholic? If you would simply take the moment
to humble yourself, pray, and believe, you will taste, see, and experience the
love of God. Then, you will ask, why not?
Sisters and brothers, as a convert and witness to
the faith, if today you hear God's voice, harden not your hearts. Be attentive,
be encouraged, and take courage for God offers provisions for those whom God
positions to do the work of ministry. It is my hope that you will join the
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and Catholic Communities
around world in praying and hoping for God to complete the work that God has
begun in all who will be ordained. May God give success to the work of our
hands.
Rev. Mr. Christopher S. Rhodes was ordained
to the diaconate in April 2011 and, God willing, will be ordained for the
priesthood for the Archdiocese of Louisville as well as commissioned for
chaplaincy for the Kentucky Army National Guard. He is currently in his
fourth year of theological studies at The Catholic University of America's
National Seminary, Theological College in pursuit of an M.Div. This summer
Rev. Mr. Rhodes will attend Army Chaplain Leadership Officer Basic Course in
Columbia (Fort Jackson), South Carolina. Please continue to pray for Chris
as he approaches priesthood ordination and graduation in May 2012.
