May 7, 2023
“Brothers (and Sisters) select from among you seven reputable men filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint to this task, whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer and the ministry of the word… They presented these men to the apostles who prayed and laid their hands on them. The word of God continued to spread, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly…”
As you read this passage from the Acts of the Apostles, consider your parish, your faith sharing group, your own community. What happened in Jerusalem was part of God’s plan then, and it is God’s plan for us now. There was a need, and a choice, for something new was so necessary. Prayer, discernment and action followed.
The same process is not limited to those called to be deacons. Some years ago we found many involved in Catholic Action, people responding to their baptismal call, not to maintain the church or parish, but to evangelize and grow in faith and numbers. Allow others to know Jesus who said He is THE way and THE truth and THE life. ‘No one comes to the Father, except through me.’
May our group, our parish, our society live these words. Yes, like Philip in the gospel today, we say ‘Master show us the Father and that will be enough for us.’
by Rev. William J. Reilly