“For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 14: 11
Being humble is often misunderstood. It is common these days to confuse being humble with being humiliated: a pushover; weak; or of little importance, dignity or esteem. But these are a pretty limited understanding of what it means to be humble. To the contrary, there is great strength and dignity in being humble.
My favorite lesson on the strength and dignity of being humble comes from E.B. White’s wonderful book: “Charlotte’s Web.” For those not familiar, it is a great read. Described as a children’s book, it is every bit worthy of any age group. It is a story of a pig named Wilbur who is confronted with the terrible reality that he is destined for the farmer’s table. His friend, Charlotte, a spider, trying to save Wilbur from this fate, attempts to convince the farmer that Wilbur is worth saving, by writing messages in her web to describe Wilbur in the most positive light (sort of like an eight-legged PR Officer). Charlotte offers 4 different words in her web: “Some Pig,” “Terrific,” “Radiant,” and, finally, “Humble.”
When questioned about the use of the word humble to describe Wilbur, Charlotte reflects that the word not only means ‘not proud,’ but, in its truest form, humble means ‘close to the ground.’ To be humble is to live close to the ground–to be grounded. Which isn’t at all like being humiliated, weak, a pushover, or of little esteem.
To be humble is to know we are of the earth–dust. To be humble also means to know that our life and the life of the entire earth are a gift of the loving God who created everything. To be humble is to know that you and all things belong to God and are held in God’s hands.
And THAT is exalted humility. God exalts us when we are humble, humble enough to recognize that we, like all things, are of the earth, God’s creation. To be humble is to understand that we are because of God’s love. God’s love alone exalts humble dust.
I am delighted to announce that the Standing Committee, at its August 22-23 meeting, voted unanimously to consent to the ordination of Judy Gau and Jeanette Dementi as Deacons in this Church.* The Ordination of Deacons will take place as the Opening Worship Service of our Diocesan Convention at St. Matthew’s, Fairbanks, Thursday, October 2nd, at 6:30 pm. Please note the change in start time for this service: 6:30 pm.
The service time has been changed from 7 pm to 6:30 pm to allow time after the service for a cake and refreshment reception in the Fellowship Hall. Unfortunately, our limited time on Thursday evening does not allow for a full celebration. Any additional celebrations may take place at later dates and places following Diocesan Convention.
Please note: The Ordination of Deacons starts at 6:30 pm with cake to follow (8 to 9 pm).October 2, St. Matthew’s, Fairbanks.
Ordination does not exalt someone above others. Ordination is not a personal gift or something “earned” by being better than others. Nor does ordination ultimately “belong” to the individual who is ordained. Ordination belongs to the Church. It is grounded in and depends upon the Body of Christ. In fact, those who are ordained in the Church best express the gift of ordination by remaining humble–grounded, a living example that we are all called to be humble that we might be exalted by Christ Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.
I give thanks that the Holy Spirit working through in the Church has called Judy and Jeanette to this ministry of exalted humility.
Judy Gau of St. James’, Tanana to be ordained Deacon October 2nd at St. Matthew’s
Jeanette Dementi of St. Luke’s, Shageluk to be ordained Deacon October 2nd at St. Matthew’s
*The Rev. Erin Tulip, Eagle River and Palmer, who was ordained a Deacon in December last year, was recommended by the Standing Committee for Ordination to the Priesthood. The date, time, and location of Erin’s Ordination has not been established, yet.
It is customary in the church for Deacons to be ordained at the same time when possible. However, the ordination of a priest often takes place in the parish where the priest will serve.
The Rev. Erin Tulip of St. Bartholomew’s, Palmer to be ordained a Priest
