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A Note from Betty Jerabeck
Hi there from Betty Jerabeck!
As I mentioned in the February piece, the understanding of the diaconate has evolved over time. You may be most familiar with the deacon assisting at the altar, preaching a homily, or serving within the immediate community in various ways. But the role of a deacon extends beyond these familiar images.
Recently, a community member asked me about something I wrote:
"Over time, the role of the deacon has evolved to include serving as a prophetic voice in the community, actively bridging the gap between the Church and the wider world." They wanted to know, “What do you mean by prophetic voice?” Great question!
What Is a Prophetic Voice?
A prophetic voice is the call to speak and act courageously for God’s justice, truth, and compassion—both within the Church and in the world. It means advocating for the marginalized, addressing social injustices, and embodying Jesus’ mission of love and service.
Why "Prophetic"?
Throughout Scripture, prophets—like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Amos—were God’s messengers, calling people to repentance and justice. Deacons, as ordained ministers of service, carry forward this tradition by bringing the concerns of the poor, the oppressed, and the voiceless into the life of the Church and urging action.
Yes, deacons serve in liturgical roles, but their ministry also extends beyond charity to advocacy, working to address systemic injustices and call for transformation in society (Acts 6:1-6).
The Deacon as a Bridge
A prophetic deacon does not remain silent in the face of oppression or suffering but challenges unjust systems with the Gospel message. This may mean:
- Engaging in social justice movements
- Speaking out on ethical and moral issues
- Calling the Church to live out Christ’s love and justice in the world
Deacons are often described as a bridge between the Church and the world, bringing real-world struggles into the Church’s awareness while bringing Christ’s presence into those struggles.
A Call for All of Us
The prophetic voice of a deacon is not just about the ordained—it’s a call for all of us. At the end of every Mass, we are sent forth to love and serve our God and each other. The prophetic deacon reminds us of this mission, encouraging us to live out our faith boldly, to stand for justice, and to bring Christ’s love into the world.
How is God calling each one of us to be a prophetic voice today?
What do you want from your deacon?
Please feel free to email me!
With love as we walk in Jesus’ footsteps,
Betty
bettyjmmc@gmail.com
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