Martyn

 

On a cold and dark December evening, twenty years ago, I went to church for confession. The rosary was being recited as I arrived. I joined in prayer while waiting for my turn to speak to the priest. On the lectern was a tall man leading. He was not looking at those gathered but led with his head bowed down. The man’s humility fascinated me. I thought that is the proper attitude in the presence of God. 

Seven years later, that man was ordained a permanent deacon. The first permanent deacon in our parish: Martyn Swaby.

Martyn, as he preferred to be called, was a humble colleague, friend, and spiritual director. One could easily confide and get along with such a cool guy. If you wanted to speak to him, he would make time and readily listen to you. He was receptive to feedback, regardless of if it was positive or not. He showed his human side when he once confided to me and a few colleagues that he was nervous in leading a service or was not satisfied with his homily.  We assured him that he will be fine and he appreciated it.

He would always tell me, “Always here if you need anything or just want to talk”. When my father passed away last year, he messaged me saying “[T]he love and prayers of myself and my family are with you all at this difficult time”. The chats I had with him were always full of affirmations such as “I know you are open to whatever He (God) is asking of you”. I am grateful for the words of wisdom that he imparted: “When God calls you, He won’t let go” and “(Instead of worrying) enjoy the process”. 

As deacon, he animated the community in serving the Lord and the Church. He founded the Mind to be Merciful Cafe, which provides a safe place for people of various walks of life to be listened to “with acceptance, non-judgement, with empathy, compassion and love”. This, along with his chaplaincy work in Highbury Hospital and Chair of governors in Our Lady’s Primary School are testaments of his being an icon of Christ the Servant.  

His homilies, for me, revealed a heart full of compassion for God’s people particularly those who feel unwelcomed due to various situations. He once said that if our faith is in Christ who is Love Himself, then our faith must be rooted in love. During the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy in 2016, he used to say these words during the Dismissal at Mass: “Be merciful as the Father is merciful. Go in peace”.

Martyn, thank you for the love and mercy you humbly and generously showered on the people around you. These hallmarks of your ministry have made a difference in the lives of so many. May you now enjoy everlasting peace in the presence of the Lord Jesus whose servant-leadership you strove to follow. 

Toni and family, I am one with you in mourning the loss of a wonderful husband and father. Together, let us heed Martyn’s appeal to mirror the Father’s mercy so that there will be no needy person among the community of believers (cf. Acts 4:34).