The Deacon

In his first encyclical, Redemptor Hominis (“The Redeemer of Man”), Pope St. John Paul II offers a profound exploration of Christ’s pivotal role in human redemption and the mission of the Church. He challenges us to view Christ not merely as a figure from history, but as the vibrant core of the entire cosmos and the author of every unfolding story. This encyclical serves as a robust call to action, particularly for deacons whose ministries are rooted in service. Though Pope John Paul II does not address the diaconate in his encyclical, this column will delve into how Redemptor Hominis nonetheless speaks to the diaconate, urging deacons to fully embrace Christ’s mission in our daily duties and interactions. It underscores the deep connection between our vocations and the transformative power of Christ’s love.

One of the core messages of Redemptor Hominis is the centrality of Christ in both the cosmos and history, as Pope John Paul II clearly states: “The Redeemer of man, Jesus Christ, is the center of the universe and of history” (No. 1). For deacons, this means that our ministry transcends mere duty; it is about elevating Christ in every aspect of our service. We are called to be vibrant reflections of Christ’s love, actively manifesting his presence in the world through acts of service that mirror those of Christ himself. The encyclical also emphasizes a personal call to holiness, reminding deacons that our vocation is not only to serve but also to undergo personal transformation, embodying the new creation brought forth by Christ’s redemptive act. This transformation is essential, as it empowers us to minister effectively and authentically bear witness to the Faith.

Pope John Paul II deeply underscores the inherent dignity of every human being, asserting, “Man cannot live without love. He remains a being that is incomprehensible for himself, his life is senseless, if love is not revealed to him” (No. 10). This profound statement resonates strongly with the mission of deacons, who are often at the forefront of the Church’s outreach efforts, engaging with the marginalized and advocating for the dignity of every person. Our efforts to ensure that every individual we encounter can tangibly experience the love of Christ are essential, as they affirm the Church’s unwavering commitment to uphold human dignity in all areas of life. By reflecting this commitment in our ministry, we play a pivotal role in making the Church’s teachings on love and dignity a lived reality for many. This approach not only helps those in need but also enriches our spiritual life as we witness the transformative power of love in action.

Engaging With the Modern World

Redemptor Hominis calls for a robust engagement with the modern world. We are encouraged to not retreat from contemporary issues but to engage them head-on. We are called to bring Christ’s teachings into discussions on justice, peace and the myriad ethical challenges society faces today. This engagement is vital as it allows the Church to remain relevant and influential in addressing the needs of our time. The encyclical also highlights the importance of community formation, particularly through the Eucharist, which manifests communion with the Lord and one another. Deacons play a critical role in this as we facilitate liturgical celebrations and foster community connections. By promoting active participation in the sacraments, we help deepen the spiritual lives of the faithful and strengthen the bonds within the Church.

Redemptor Hominis serves as a powerful reminder for deacons of our call to mirror Christ’s redemptive mission. It invites us to a deeper communion with Christ, urging us to reflect his love in our ministry and to be proactive in engaging with both the joys and challenges of the modern world. Through our unique role, deacons have the opportunity to make a significant impact, helping to shape a world that reflects the truth, beauty and goodness of the Gospel. This encyclical not only reaffirms our calling but deeply enriches the understanding of our vocation in the light of Christ’s enduring love and transformative power.

DEACON DOMINIC CERRATO, Ph.D., is editor of The Deacon and director of diaconal formation for the Diocese of Joliet, in Illinois.