In the 1980s and 1990s, we hardly heard of the existence of a permanent deacon. About 10 or 15 years ago, permanent deacons started to become more common. The thing is, I feel that we have lost the original idea of a deacon.

In the first reading today, the Hellenists, who were the Greek-speaking Jews, spoke of the unfair treatment of their widows. By then, the Twelve had their hands full because they had to teach and preach the Word. The appointment of the seven men signified the beginning of the ministry of deacons, whose primary duty was the distribution of food to the widows. Later, this expanded to the service to the poor and needy.

These days, deacons preach and baptise and preside at services which is all well and good, but their primary duty should not be neglected. Granted that many lay people and organisations are looking after the poor and the needy, but in my own experience, there are still many who fall through the cracks and these are the people that we need to look after. Let us pray for all our deacons that they may continue to serve the Lord in their own varied ways.