First Reading: Acts of the Apostles 6:1-7

This reading leads to the founding of the diaconate, an ordained ministry for service within the Church.  The structure of this new community of disciples is shaped by its composition and  the needs among the members.  The care of widows was a measure of the community of Israel fulfilling the Law, according to the prophets in the Old Testament.

Jesus chose the Twelve.  They spoke with authority in this post-Pentecost age. They direct the community to “select,” and they “shall appoint” the candidates for office.  This is the last reference to “the Twelve” and the first mention of “disciples” in the Acts. The Twelve choose “seven reputable men.”  One of these, Stephen, sets the stage for the mission of Paul in the second half of the Acts.  His execution will introduce Saul, who will become Paul after his conversion.  This passage also upholds the importance of the ministry of “the Word of God.”  Social assistance to the needy must be seen in the context of preaching the Scriptural message.

Difficulties were faced not only by opposition from outside the membership, but also dissension among the members, too.  Hellenists were probably Greek-speaking Jewish Christians, rather than Gentiles.  They were probably Jews from the Diaspora, those who were scattered throughout the Mediterranean world.  There is archaeological evidence of these Greek-speaking Jews, who lived in Jerusalem during this time.  The Hebrews would be the ones who pray and speak in Hebrew or Aramaic.  The word “complained” recalls the actions of the Hebrews against God and Moses in the wilderness, during the Exodus (see Nm 11:1).

The laying on of hands signifies appointment to an office or a role elsewhere in the Bible.  It is preceded by prayer, just as was the appointment of Matthias to succeed Judas in Acts 1:24-25.

Second Reading: 1 Peter 2:4-9

The author contrasts the continuing rejection of Jesus Christ by human beings and the honor, which is given to Him by God.  Christians share in this imagery of being “living stones.”  The spiritual “house” can refer to a building, or to the family inside of it.  Each occupant, or member, has a responsibility within the community.  The word “house” is also used for the Temple in the Greek Old Testament (see 2 Chron 36:23, Ps 69:10, Is 56:7).

The Christians become “a chosen race,” a title that was given to Israel.  The word “people” (as opposed to “the nations,” a designation for the Gentiles) was also used in the Old Testament for the Israelites.  The light and darkness theme suggests the beginning of a new creation.  The “royal priesthood” repeats the earlier reference to the Christians as “a spiritual house. . .a holy priesthood.”  The Christians have a unique relationship to God in the order He created in the world.

Gospel: John 14:1-12

Jesus talked to several people at the Last Supper.  His conversations with Thomas and Philip are recorded in this passage.  Their questions demonstrate a lack of understanding.  Full understanding is not possible until Jesus is raised up in glory.  He will breathe upon them, so that they will receive the Holy Spirit that will enlighten them.   God gave life to humankind in that way.  That new experience of the Risen Lord will make possible the presence of the Father to them.  The way, truth and life are joined to demonstrate that the course of daily life must be seen in the context of what Jesus has told them.  That brings about life.  That is the meaning of coming “to the Father.”

There have been many times that I have had to act without knowing the full meaning or end result of what I was doing.  Often, things turn out better that way.  I made a chance remark at a funeral about how we are remembered for the simple things of life, not the big accomplishments of our working life.  One of the family came up to me afterward and tearfully thanked me for that remark.  It struck a chord in their own life and experience with their family member, who died.  That was not the first time that I experienced that response to something that I said.  It is very humbling to repeat what God leads us to do and say.  It can have a profound effect upon the lives of those to whom we minister. . .as well as in our own life!

What conversation have you had with the Lord, where you didn’t fully understand what was asked of you. . .until you saw its effects much later?  Our Risen Lord still makes surprising appearances in the daily course of our life!

Fr. Richard C. Macey is pastor of Our Lady of the Woods Parish, Woodhaven.