Series Introduction
In Sydney’s Inner West, from 1890, Deaconesses were trained in theology and practical ministries by Deaconess House, now known as Anglican Deaconess Ministries (ADM). These pioneering young women served the destitute, orphaned, sick and dying in the growing colony of NSW.
This devotion series by Mary Un, ADM’s CEO, is based on a 1917 publication, the Deaconess Book of Devotions (printed during World War I). Mary says, “107 years later, I am left to guess why the author chose the seven passages from Scripture that open this little book of devotions. What is clear to me is that she, like the Deaconesses before and after her, had a theology rooted in the belief that with God as our help and strength, we are free to fearlessly model our lives on Christ’s.”
Reflection:
The Deaconess’ (an order of Christian women established in Europe in the early 1800’s) were fulfilling a specific calling to minister to the lowly. Male church leaders rarely had time or access to the very vulnerable in their communities, whereas Deaconesses were welcomed into slums, brothels, orphanages and sick houses.
Deaconesses understood that heaven will be filled with the contrite (repentant) and lowly in spirit (humble). This fuelled their commitment to bring Jesus to the most desperate in their communities and shaped their understanding of themselves. Without Jesus, their spiritual poverty would be just as deep as those they ministered to. How could they bring an effective message of complete forgiveness and acceptance found in Jesus if they believed themselves to be better than others? They too were desperately looking to Jesus to revive their spirit and hearts.
We would do well to head the warning of Proverbs 16: 18-19:
“Pride goes before destruction,
a haughty spirit before a fall.
Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed
than to share plunder with the proud.”
Consider your own status before the Lord—do you consider yourself ‘contrite’ and ‘lowly’? For there is no place for the self-righteous and self-important.
Prayer:
O God, whose nature is to ever have mercy and to forgive, receive our humble petitions; and though we are tied and bound with the chain of our sins, yet let your great mercy loose us, for the honour of Jesus Christ our Mediator and Advocate. Amen.