2nd week in Easter Time, Saturday – 22nd April 2023 – Acts 6,1-7; Jn 6,16-21
Right Discernment
In the first reading, we hear the formation of the first deacons. The apostles were so busy with the ministry of praying and proclaiming the Word that they did not have time to take care of the physical needs of the people, especially the Hellenists, i.e., the Greek speaking believers. They realize that they themselves cannot do everything. Only God can do that, but God chooses to have humans involved in the process of salvation. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, the apostles respond that someone else must step in to take care of the table ministry. They choose seven deacons from the Hellenists whose call would be to ensure equal distribution of the food to the whole community. The fact that outsiders were being neglected created a situation that could have divided the church. In this conflict, the discernment of gifts and division of tasks by the apostles provide a way to resolve neglect arising from language differences and prejudice. The apostles refocused on the eternal life-giving ministry, while the chosen deacons served as collaborators in their ministry.
