A picture is worth a thousand words ... and other things too

As I anticipate my ordination to the transitional diaconate this coming Sunday, and the opportunity to lie prostrate before God and his people in recognition of the mercy and graces he has given me, I find that this photograph says nearly everything beautiful about the familial nature of the ordination ritual. (Thanks to my sweet friend Michele Trepagnier for sending it to me, along with a prayer for the ceremony.)

If it's true that no one stands alone in the Body of Christ, then it must also be true, I figure, that no one lies down alone.

And if a picture is worth a thousand words, then it is equally true that good words are non-substitutable means of saying things that could not be communicated any other way, such as this:

Almighty God, who by your divine providence has appointed diverse Orders of Ministers in your Church, and who inspired your Apostles to choose into the Order of Deacons the first martyr Stephen, with others; mercifully behold David your servant now called to the same Office and Administration: so fill him with the truth of your Doctrine and adorn him with holiness of life, that, both by word and good example, he may faithfully serve you in this Office, to the glory of your Name and the edification of your Church; through the merits of our Savior Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, world without end. Amen.