Breaking the Word

2^nd week in Easter Time, Saturday – 22^nd 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.

2^nd week in Easter, Friday – 21^st April 2023 – Acts 5,34-42; John 6, 1-15

Truth will Prevail

The first reading presents the wisdom of Gamaliel, that favours the apostles. If something is not of God, its importance will end someday. If it is truly of God, then there is nothing which can stop it. He warned his fellow council members not to be too hasty in their judgements. He gave two examples of leaders – Theudas and Judas the Galilean. In both cases the leaders died or were killed and then their movements fell apart and their followers scattered. Gamaliel suggested the above principle, on the basis of these experiences, that this ‘Jesus’ movement should be left alone. Gamaliel gives the positive corollary. Most men in the room would never admit that Jesus could be on God’s side. Instead, they can posture as if taking the high ground, letting God handle things (Acts 5,13).  Proverb says, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand” (Prov 19,21). Gamaliel accurately applies this truism to the Sanhedrin’s situation. Obviously, the Church has striven to carry on the ministry of Jesus for more than 2023 years. Like Gamaliel, we should have confidence in his principle that, in the long run, the truth will always prevail.