Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila reminded new deacons this week that knowledge without integrity is inadequate.
Ministering his second diaconate ordination in the archdiocese, the cardinal used his homily to describe how the new deacons, who will serve in parishes, would minister to the people.
He said service in the Church is not just about functions, and ministry is not just about responsibilities.
“More than what we do, service is who we are. Skills without values could be dangerous,” Cardinal Advincula said at the Manila Cathedral on November 19.
The prelate said there are people who are smart and capable but they use their talents and skills in bad things.
“What are talents and intelligence anyway if used in the wrong way? What are abilities and skills for if used for personal gain?” the cardinal was quoted as saying in a report on CBCP News.
Cardinal Advincula stressed that because to be a deacon is to be a servant, service in the Church “always springs from our remaining in love of Jesus.”
“Those who serve others without remaining in Jesus might serve for the wrong reasons,” he said. “It is in remaining in Jesus that our service and ministry become authentic.”
“If our service is borne out of our remaining in Jesus, then we will serve for the right reasons, with the right intentions, and with the right attitude,” added Cardinal Advincula.
